Bromley College has announced it is cutting its A Level courses at its Orpington campus.

In a statement issued this week (July 16) the college said it is instead focusing on vocational programmes and will no longer receive applications for subjects such as mathematics and English from September, though will continue to offer them at lower levels. 

Principal Sam Parrett says the decision comes in response to the "Government’s changing priorities" and in a letter to parents and staff explained recruitment for A Levels have been falling.

As well as declining interest less than 50 per cent of students progressed from AS to A2, she added, while applications for places this year are 35 per lower than 2013.

She told News Shopper: "We have expanded the number of educational opportunities in vocational programmes where we have a high percentage of learners progressing to higher education and where we excel in the delivery of these courses.

"Our A Level applicants are being offered advice and guidance, plus we are working with local schools to recommend other suitable courses."

Ms Parrett said the decision was not "taken lightly". Current AS students will be able to finish their courses.

One Orpington parent, who asked not to be named, said her 15-year-old son was due to begin studying at Bromley College in September and while she might understand the decision, feels the news has come too late in the day.

She said parents were only informed of the changes in provision in a letter in July, two months before the start of the new academic year in September, and is now "frantically searching for an alternative".

While A Levels are being dropped, Orpington will see the college's new hospitality and catering facility open in September. More information can be found here. 

Was your child due to begin A Levels at Bromley College’s Orpington campus this year? Are you struggling to find somewhere new in the borough? Get in touch on 01689 885725