ANGRY parents and disappointed students have slammed the Mossbourne education trust after newly enrolled sixth form students turned up for their first day of their Year 12 journey to find their courses had been scrapped – without notice.

Over the past academic year and through the summer Mossbourne had been promoting courses at its sixth form facility based at the Fobbing Academy on Southend Road in Corringham (formerly Gable Hall). The enrolment process for this year's intake started last November when the Academy, echoing its motto 'Where ambition meets opportunity', said: "At Mossbourne Sixth Form Thurrock, we'll support you every step of the way, from personalised teaching to expert careers guidance."

During the enrolment process several had expressed concern over what might happen if enrolment numbers were too low, but were assured the trust was dedicated to ensuring the long-term establishment of the sixth form and all sign-ups would be honoured.

However, reality has proved different.

Students arrived at the academy for their enrolment day last week – only to be told some courses had been cancelled and students were offered alternatives or advised to seek other sixth form tuition.

Vice principal Jack Kliber then sent the following message to affected students: "Thank you for your incredible engagement and enthusiasm in today's induction day. It was a wonderful day and our students looked extremely smart.

"Due to lower enrolment numbers than anticipated I regret to inform you that we will need to review our curriculum offering, and ultimately run fewer courses than planned.

"Initial conversations have already taken place regarding the decision not to run further mathematics, geography and dance. Unfortunately it may be necessary to review additional subjects as well.

"I realise this news may be difficult to receive at this stage either I or a colleague will be in touch on Monday as we would like to speak with you and your parents either over the phone or in person to discuss the impact on subject options."

Parents have been left outraged by the late change.

One told Thurrock Nub News: "My son is just gutted. He had turned down offers to study at Southend High School and the Appleton School at Benfleet. We were convinced by Mossbourne they would offer the courses he needs and so decided on him staying local.

"Then he got this bolt from the blue. He was offered other courses that don't suit what he wants to do and we are now left in limbo.

"It's particularly frustrating because we expected there might be a low uptake but Mossbourne were adamant they would not drop courses, because they were 'building for the future' and they would honour the courses that were offered and accepted.

"That has turned out to be a false promise and it's absolutely disgraceful. These are children's lives they are playing with."

Another angry mum told us: "This is disgusting behaviour!

"Several pupils at the Fobbing Academy went in only to be told courses had been withdrawn as the school can't afford to run them.

"My question is they knew who was starting sixth form and how many were taking each subject but they let them do the induction last Friday, then withdrew all their subjects.

"It's absolutely disgusting behaviour on top of all the issues that have been at that school since changing from Gable Hall."

A statement from Mossbourne to Thurrock Nub News said: "Like many schools and trusts, we are operating in an exceptionally challenging funding environment. Following enrolment, student numbers were significantly lower than hoped.

"This means it is not educationally, or financially, responsible to offer a full suite of subject choices. Students benefit from learning alongside a viable cohort with proper collaboration and subject breadth.

"Students benefit from learning with peers and we want all Mossbourne students to be able to enjoy a full educational experience in every subject they study.

"While we must make late adjustments, every decision has been made with students' best interests at heart.

"We are committed to working with students and families to ensure that every student is able to access the best possible pathway for their future ambitions."