Proposed Change to South Wirral High School Admissions Arrangements for September 2026
1. Introduction
South Wirral High School is consulting on a proposed change to its admissions arrangements from September 2026 onwards. This consultation is being carried out in accordance with the statutory requirements set out in the School Admissions Code (2021).
The Trust Board of The Challenge Academy Trust is the admissions authority for the school and is therefore responsible for determining its admissions arrangements. We are now consulting with parents, carers, staff, local schools and colleges, Wirral Local Authority, and other interested parties.
2. Proposed Change
Following a recent consultation regarding the future of post-16 provision at South Wirral High School, the Governing Body has taken the decision—subject to approval from the Department for Education (DfE)—to close the school’s sixth form.
We are now consulting on the corresponding change to our admissions arrangements, specifically:
- South Wirral High School will no longer admit students into Year 12 from September 2026 onwards.
- The school’s admissions policy will be amended to remove references to sixth form entry criteria, application processes, oversubscription arrangements, or any other references relating to post-16 admissions.
- From September 2026, the school will operate as an 11–16 provider.
- Current KS5 students will still receive the same high quality sixth form offer until completing their post 16 education in July 2027
3. Rationale for the Change
The decision to close the sixth form followed a detailed review of financial sustainability, student demand, curriculum breadth, and long-term viability. The most recent consultation with stakeholders demonstrated limited demand for post-16 places and highlighted a strong preference for the wide range of alternative post-16 options available locally.
To ensure that all students receive the highest-quality education and access to appropriately broad post-16 pathways, the Governing Body believes this is the most sustainable approach.
South Wirral High School continues to be fully committed to supporting students with high-quality careers guidance, impartial advice, and strong partnerships with a wide range of local post-16 providers—including grammar school sixth forms, FE colleges, specialist providers and apprenticeship hubs—to ensure that every student transitions successfully.
4. Who We Are Consulting
In line with the statutory requirements, we are consulting:
- Parents and carers of current and prospective students
- Staff and governors
- Wirral Local Authority
- Neighbouring Local Authorities (where appropriate)
- Local schools, colleges and post-16 providers
- Local community stakeholders
5. Consultation Period
The consultation will run from Tuesday 9th December 2025
Representations must be received by 12.00pm on Monday 26th January 2026
6. How to Respond
We welcome views from all stakeholders. Responses can be submitted:
- By email: consultation@southwirral.wirral.sch.uk
- By post: Admissions Consultation, South Wirral High School, Plymyard Ave, Eastham, CH62 8EH
All responses will be considered by the Governing Body before final admissions arrangements are determined.
7. Determination of Arrangements
Following the consultation, the Trust Board will meet to consider all representations and will formally determine the school’s admissions arrangements for 2026–27. This will take place no later than Monday 26th January, in accordance with the School Admissions Code.
The finalised admissions arrangements will be published on the school’s website and submitted to Wirral Local Authority for inclusion in their composite prospectus.