College demo as courses are axed
STUDENTS from Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire were among protesters at Cambridge Regional College yesterday morning as they vented their anger at the college s decision to scrap A-level courses. Between 50-100 students gathered outside the colleg
STUDENTS from Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire were among protesters at Cambridge Regional College yesterday morning as they vented their anger at the college's decision to scrap A-level courses.
Between 50-100 students gathered outside the college on Tuesday after they received a letter notifying them that A-level courses would no longer be taught at the college from September.
Danielle Lee, 17, from Huntingdon said: "I'm a year through my A-levels and I just can't believe they want to scrap them.
"I've got absolutely no idea where I'm going to go to complete my studies and I'm angry that the college has sprung the decision on us like this.
"They have given us too little notice to get into another college as places may not be available.
"We've been told by the college that they are going to try their best to find alternative places for us but it's just not good enough."
Most Read
- 1 New Toolstation branch to open in Huntingdon
- 2 Bosses warn of 'choppy waters' ahead for health trust
- 3 RSPCA investigating 'welfare of beagles' at Huntingdon dog breeding unit
- 4 Pupils enjoy early jubilee celebration with all things royal
- 5 Nursery rated inadequate after inspectors said safety was 'compromised'
- 6 Every household in the UK to get £400 to help with rising energy bills
- 7 New organic coffee shop opens in St Neots
- 8 Explained: What the cost of living support package means for you
- 9 Woman who could barely walk is taking part in cycling event after shedding 19 stones
- 10 Find out what's happening in Huntingdonshire for the Queen's Jubilee?
Students and staff were informed of the college's decision by letter last Friday.
Lara Jodin, marketing manager at Cambridge Regional College, said: "The college has decided to stop running A-level courses for various reasons but the main reason is that the Government wants us to focus on vocational training courses."
The college has 3,500 full-time students - 160 of them studying A-levels. Of those 160, the college's decision is likely to affect 100 students in their first year.
Mrs Jodin said: "We are working closely with Long Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge to see if they can cater for our A-level students.
"Our student services team are also meeting individual students to offer them advice."
Rick Dearing, the college's principal, said: "We understand some students are naturally upset by the college's decision but we are doing everything we can to ensure their concerns are listened to and help is offered to them.
