A parent was "stunned" to discover over Twitter that her daughter's school in Hextable is closing.
Oasis Academy in Egerton Avenue will begin transferring some of its 328 pupils in September and will close completely in summer next year due to declining pupil numbers.
A spokesman from the school's sponsor, Oasis Community Learning, announced the news on the school's website on February 17.
Cheryl Slater, 50, of Rollo Road was stunned when she heard the news on Twitter from a pupil.
The mum-of-three told News Shopper: "I’m really upset – it was a massive shock.
"My daughter has been there since year 7 and she’s just gone into year 12.
"The pastoral care at the school has been wonderful but I’m annoyed we’ve only just found out.
"We think the school would have known a while before that they would have to shut.
"My daughter’s really upset because she would have gone into a different sixth form if she’d
known.
"She’s done really well until now but now I’m worried about her university chances."
An Oasis Community Learning spokesman said the students were being prioritised by the school – he also said the remaining pupils will be taught subjects by appropriately qualified teachers, something which Ms Slater was concerned about.
He said: "It is with regret that we have made the difficult decision to close Oasis Academy.
"With the exception of current year 10 and year 12 students, the existing student body will transfer to nearby schools in September.
"This decision has been carefully considered and made with a heavy heart.
"For a number of years, student numbers have been declining.
"Even though numbers would begin to rise again slightly in future years, by 2018 the academy would still be operating only at half its capacity."
He added: "If fewer students join the academy then less money is available. This hugely compromises the academy’s resources and its ability to deliver."
The academy was taken over two years ago by Oasis Community Learning and was previously known as Hextable School.
Oasis Community Learning is one of the fastest growing multi-academy sponsors in England and has opened 43 schools since 2004.
Do your children go to the school? Call the News Shopper on 01689 885 721 or email hwood@london.newsquest.co.uk
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