STOURBRIDGE College is to stop offering A-level courses, bosses have confirmed.

The college, part of BMet, intends to phase out the academic further education courses over the next 18 months.

Instead – the college based in Hagley Road will be looking to focus more on vocational schemes, offering Apprenticeships and embracing new T-level qualifications from 2020.

Gill Coldicott, head of Stourbridge College, said by withdrawing A-levels and focussing on technical training – in line with Local Enterprise Partnership and Combined Authority skills priorities – the college would be able to provide students “with a wide range of great vocational courses that develop the skills that local and national employers want”.

She added: “We do understand there may be some concerns; the decision to consolidate our A-level offer and to phase-out A-levels at the college has not been taken lightly and was made after consultation with our own staff and students.

“We are doing all we can to provide the support and advice they need. As part of this there are two events at the college on Wednesday March 7 and 14 at which students can discuss options with our team.

“The decision to focus on vocational courses means we will continue to develop strong and diverse vocational education at the wonderful, revitalised facilities at Stourbridge College. “We believe this will benefit our students and the employers we serve.”

BMet’s existing Stourbridge College campus will become leading technical centre under the plans; while Sutton Coldfield College will become home to a new A-level centre of excellence from September 2019.

Stourbridge MP Margot James has welcomed the plan "to shift focus away from A-levels towards more vocational qualifications such as T-levels and Apprenticeships" and she said: "I have always passionately made the case for the widening of access to important vocational courses, which I know can be hugely rewarding and beneficial for those who undertake them.

"I am also sure that focusing on vocational skills will benefit our local economy, providing employers with the future workforce that they need."