Kent County Council will be making a proposal to close Pent Valley Technology College, after low pupil intake and poor performance at the school.

 

On December 15, The Education and Young Person’s Services Cabinet Committee will consider a report on Pent Valley’s future and make a decision as to whether there should be a public consultation on its closure.

 

Patrick Leeson, KCC Corporate Director of Education and Young People’s Services said that at this stage a closure was not confirmed: “We cannot stress enough that no decision has yet been made. This is a regrettable, but necessary proposal that county councillors need to consider.”

 

Mr Leeson also said a need for additional school places from 2018 had been forecast, with a new school needed to open on the current college’s site, should the closure go ahead.  

 

If the county council agree to undertake a public consultation, it will be proposed that the school would close from September 2016 for all pupils except the present Year 10, allowing them to complete their final year of GCSE studies. Some staff will be retained to deliver the courses and provide pastoral support.

 

Pent Valley would then close for all pupils from September 2017.

 

In the announcement KCC stated places in other schools will be offered to students in years seven to nine, while year 11 will be supported in applying to local school sixth forms, colleges, or to training providers for their post 16 study. Year 12 students will be assisted in finding alternative placements to complete their courses, if these require two years of study, or to find courses that enable them to progress.

 

Parents will be written to individually, with letters sent home about each child who is currently a pupil at Pent Valley.  KCC have advised parents to call the admissions team on 03000 412121 if they have not recieved a letter by Friday morning.