THERE are renewed concerns for the troubled Hope Academy after plans emerged to close its sixth form following another Ofsted visit.

The £33 million school, which opened just three and a half years ago following a merger between Newton High and St Aelred’s, was placed in special measures earlier this year and is understood to have undergone a further check by inspectors.

According to a source, Ofsted reported that the school had once again failed to make adequate progress.

The shock proposals to axe the sixth form from November, which will see some of Hope’s students transfer to Carmel College, in Prescot Road, will leave Newton-le-Willows without any post-16 education.

The academy held a meeting last week to address the concerns of worried students and parents.

It is thought the school was not ordered to close the sixth form by Ofsted, but it was made clear that this was an option.

The watchdog's latest report is detailed online.

Frank Cogley, chair of governors at Hope Academy, said: “I am sure this is the right way forward given the recent difficulties of offering top class education throughout the sixth form.

“Carmel College will work closely with the academy and offer excellent teaching to enable our students to thrive.”

On behalf of Hope Academy’s board of governors, a spokesperson said: “The governors believe that this is the best route forward for the interests of the students.

“Carmel College is an excellent, local sixth form college and the governors are confident that the transition will be as smooth as possible and will allow the sixth form students to concentrate on their studies at this important point in their education.”

The spokesperson added: “We understand that students and their parents or guardians will have concerns at this time. We hope that our meeting on Wednesday reassured them that we are acting in their best interests. We will also be happy to discuss any individual concerns and offer all necessary support.”

Rob Peacock, principal of Carmel College, said: “When Carmel College was asked to work closely with Hope Academy we were more than happy to offer support. We are keen to do the best we can for the young people of the area. Where possible, some of the sixth form teaching is likely to transfer to Carmel.

“If there is other experience or expertise we can offer the students of Hope Academy then we will do so.”

In March this year, following the resignations of principal John Gannon and chair of governors Bart McGettrick, a temporary principal Dr David Dennison and new chair Frank Cogley were appointed in an attempt to address failings identified by HMI Ofsted.

Paul Roach, current head at Mount St Joseph Business and Enterprise College in Bolton, is expected to start in his role as principal of Hope Academy, in January 2015.

The academy was put in “special measures” earlier this year by Ofsted and subsequent inspections have found the school to be not progressing and deemed a rescue plan “not fit for purpose”.