Canterbury College has formally decided to ditch its A-level provision.

Announcing the decision today, the college said it would allow the 97 students midway through their courses to complete their second years in Canterbury.

The college is desperate to plug a massive hole in its finances and will merge with East Kent College for the start of the new academic year in September.

The job of its principal Alison Clarke is being “deleted” and she is retiring on July 25.

She said: “A decision of this significance is never easy to take, but we are committed to seeing all current A-level students through to their final exams.

“It is clear that there are many excellent providers of A-levels in Canterbury and across East Kent where many of our young people travel in from.

“We hope by working closely with the individual young people and headteachers of these schools and sixth forms, that alternative places to study or another course at Canterbury College can be organised."

Students on A-level courses had campaigned for the college to ditch the idea.

Among them was Harley Lily, 17, who said: "I really think it’s important that the college sees how upset people are by this decision.

“In an ideal world they would keep all the A-level provision."

Ms Clarke added that a range of other courses would still be available for to prospective students.

She said: "Although we will no longer offer A-levels, our industry-recognised vocational courses still provide many routes for our students to go on to university or go direct into a job by studying at Canterbury College.”

During a consultation on the college’s future, 16 staff were told their jobs were at risk.

Log on to www.canterburycollege.ac.uk for more information.