Knowsley's education lead has said there is no demand for an A-level centre in the borough, which has been the only English council area without A-level provision since 2017. The last centre, Halewood Academy sixth form, closed nine years ago, leaving students to seek further education in Liverpool, St Helens or further afield.
Fewer than 10% of pupils in Knowsley received top grades in the latest academic year, with only 8% of results achieving grade 7 or above, traditionally A or A* grades, according to exam data. Cllr Sean Donnelly, cabinet member for children and young people, said improving attainment and opportunities was a "key priority" for the local authority.
Vocational focus and travel options
Cllr Donnelly defended the council's position, noting that 98% of learners are offered a post-16 place. He said: "There is a good further education offer in the Borough which largely focuses on vocational qualifications at Knowsley Community College and All Saints Catholic High School. Young people also have access to 'Outstanding' or 'Good' further education providers, such as Carmel College and Cronton College, which are both located on the borough's border and within a short travelling distance for many young Knowsley people."
He also highlighted specialist post-16 provision, including the expansion of Alt Bridge School's post-16 provision and specialist settings like Flourish FE and Bluebell Park, which support learners with complex needs and life skills qualifications.
Demand and sustainability
Cllr Donnelly, who took up the brief in 2024, explained why a specialist A-level facility has not been set up since Halewood closed. He said: "In order for a sixth form provision to be sustainable, there needs to be the demand and figures show that with outstanding A-Level providers within easy travelling distance for our young people, there currently isn't that demand."
He said schools, academy trusts, or approved community or educational groups would deliver such provision, subject to formal approval from the Department for Education and the Secretary of State. The council has ensured all Knowsley secondary schools have access to careers support via Unifrog and regularly shares updates on options including A-levels, T-levels, and vocational qualifications.
Attainment improvements and local accountability
Cllr Donnelly noted "sustained improvement" in the number of pupils achieving grade 4 and 5 and above since 2023, through partnership with the borough's five secondary schools, Academy Trusts, and the Archdiocese. He said: "Everyone has a role to play in improving educational attainment – it's not just one organisation's responsibility."
A spokesperson for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said local leaders want to play a bigger role in improving educational outcomes but currently have "very limited powers over secondary education." They added: "Through the government's Right to Request, we have asked for the Regional Schools Director to report to the Mayor, giving our region a stronger voice and greater accountability over secondary education so we can work together to raise attainment and give every young person the best possible start in life."
