City of Liverpool College has confirmed it will no longer offer A-Levels to new first-year students in the 2026-27 academic year, just weeks before the new term begins. Students collecting their GCSE results were told during enrolment on Thursday that their planned places had been cancelled.
Those already in their second year will be able to complete their courses as planned. The decision means young people who had expected to begin A-Levels at the college next month will now have to consider alternative places or other courses.
Staff and Students Left in 'Uncertainty'
A staff member, who spoke anonymously to the Liverpool Echo, described the announcement as a "bombshell." They said: “We've had three open evenings where young people have come from schools across the city, and we've made them an offer of an A-Level place. But now, when they come in to enrol, they'll be told there's no longer any places for them.”
They added: “Instead of preparing for the future they'd planned and had in place, their future has been plunged into uncertainty. Some of our students are from disadvantaged backgrounds, who may not have had the grades to get A-Level places in other institutions, but who still wanted to get their A-Levels. What will happen to them now?”
College Cites Record Growth in Vocational Areas
A college spokesperson said: "Following an extensive review, we have taken the decision to withdraw our small A-level provision for first year students for the 26-27 Academic year, students on their second year of study will complete their A-levels with us as originally planned."
The college said its decision followed a review which considered factors including record growth in student numbers in technical and vocational areas, student capacity, staff wellbeing, falling A-Level applications and the availability of other A-Level providers across Liverpool.
Alternatives Offered to Affected Students
Officials said staff would be available during enrolment to help affected students explore alternatives, including T-Levels and other qualifications at the college or courses elsewhere in the city. The spokesperson added: “We're confident that this approach will ensure every student has the opportunity to study their desired subject area.”
Concerns have also been raised among staff who teach A-Levels, including some who were reportedly recruited earlier this year expecting to teach the courses for the next few years. Staff told the Echo they fear their hours could be reduced, although the college has said there will be no redundancies. Some have also expressed concerns about being redeployed onto courses outside their usual specialisms. A college source told the Echo that A-Levels would no longer be offered from 2027 onwards, but City of Liverpool College said no decision has been made on its 2027/28 curriculum.
