THE future of the relatively new sixth form at Portland’s community academy is in doubt after the school confirmed it was “under review”.

It comes amid concerns over the academy’s finances and a row over a move to join a multi-academy trust.

The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA) launched its sixth form in September 2014 – announcing it as “the first in the history of education on Portland”.

It had long been the school’s vision to provide island communities with post-16 education.

IPACA said when it was launched that it would offer ‘small class sizes, excellent teaching and learning, and regular, incisive and supportive feedback’.

IPACA celebrated its inaugural set of A-Level results in the summer with staff proud of the students’ achievements. Many students also sat other qualifications including BTECs, with several heading off to university.

However post 16-education at IPACA could now be at risk. Current sixth formers will not be affected by decisions, the school has stressed.

An IPACA spokesman said: “The sixth form offer will be reviewed in order that it complements the offer in the local area.

“When the review is completed, any decision made will not affect year 13 learners completing their current studies with IPACA.”

The spokesman could not give any further details.

Last week the Echo reported how the Department for Education had ordered IPACA to sort its finances out as it issued a Financial Notice to Improve.

A DfE spokesman said the notice had been issued due to “concerns about governance and financial management”.

It will be in place until the DfE is satisfied the trust has taken action to address concerns.

IPACA is also facing a backlash from some parents over a move to join Aldridge Education, a multi-academy trust (MAT) based in London.

A petition against the move has more than 1,000 signatures while a protest supported by the National Union of Teachers, was held outside the Maritime House campus last Wednesday.