With less than two weeks to go before the new school term begins MidKent College has decided to scrap their A-level courses.

The decision affects 175 young people who were due to start their courses at the college in Medway Road, Gillingham, next month.

They have decided to focus on their vocational courses and growing apprenticeship programme after reviewing its curriculum in the face of fewer resources and recent government policy.

Simon Cook, head teacher, said: “We remain absolutely committed to making sure that every young person finds the right programme to help them progress to university or employment either with MidKent College or one of our local schools.”

All young people affected have been sent a letter.

Mr Cook wrote: “I deeply regret the impact this decision will have on your arrangements for September and starting college.

“I want to reassure everyone enrolled to start an A-Level course here that we can still help you achieve your ambitions. We offer a very wide range of equivalent level three vocational BTEC programmes that support students seeking to go on to university, or into a particular career.”

The college will be running a number of course advice sessions for the prospective students to discuss alternative courses. They are also liaising with secondary school head teachers to help them find sixth form places as quickly as possible.

Peter Read, an independent education adviser, said: “I am absolutely shocked by this news, 175 young people have made positive decisions to go to the college and they have been left in the lurch at the last moment for reasons that frankly don’t add up.

“A number of institutions are cutting back on A-levels because of the financial implications and this may well be at the root of this decision.

“To suggest that they are abandoning young people to focus on vocational courses simply does not make sense if the demand is there.

“But given that young people are now required to stay in education until the age of 18 this is a very damaging.

“For this to happen 24 hours after these young people have received their GCSE results and are looking forward to these courses is doubly disgraceful.”

Second year pupils at the college which are part way through their courses will not be affected by the changes.

Other schools are beginning to rally to help the students.

Louise McGowan, head of Walderslade Girls, said: "We had several students who were due to take up a place at the college but mainly for vocational courses that we do not run in our partnership 6th form.

"Those that were hoping to study A-levels will be able to come back to the school 6th form where there is a broad range of courses.

"We also welcome students from other schools. Any student considering returning to school should contact the school reception for an appointment with one of our 6th form team."

The Robert Napier School also said they will be supporting any students this impacts.