MP continues fight for a sixth form for students in Bolsover

Bolsover was promised a sixth form by the former Conservative MP, but that promise was never delivered.

Despite assurances, it was pledged without the necessary funding, meaning the sixth form has not been able to go ahead.

Natalie Fleet, Bolsover MP, said: “I’ve continued the fight to get us a sixth form since the day I was elected.

“This isn’t just me asking, I’m backed by residents, parents, and pupils who are desperate for this to be delivered.

“Bolsover’s young people deserve the same opportunities as anywhere else.”

After calling for action on social media and asking local people to share their stories, Natalie received more than 100 responses in less than 12 hours.

Sky, a former Bolsover student, said: “I finished Bolsover School in 2023 and had to move to another sixth form, but I didn’t think it was worth the experience.

“The education felt like a downgrade, if Bolsover School had a sixth form, I would have stayed and had a better experience, like I did in my secondary years.”

Alysha, another former Bolsover student, said: “After my GCSEs, I would have loved to continue my studies somewhere familiar and local.

“I now travel over an hour each day to sixth form, but if Bolsover had one, I’d have stayed. I hope future children can have that chance.”

Parents of children with special educational needs have also voiced concerns, saying their children need the supportive and familiar environment of their existing school to continue their education successfully.

A local teacher agreed that the issue extends beyond SEND students, explaining that many pupils feel daunted by travelling to large colleges and often give up on their ambitions because there is no local option.

The teacher said that a sixth form in Bolsover would be “transformational: inspiring young people, raising aspirations and showing them that their community believes in their potential.”

Parents across the area feel that the playing field is not level.

One dad, Sammie, wrote: “The difference to growing up on the outskirts of Nottingham 20 years ago to living in Bolsover today is quite scary. The opportunities around Bolsover for young people to grow and develop are dire.”

Another father of two said: “The sixth form would raise aspirations, build on the strengths of one of the best schools in the area and ensure our children have the best educational start in life, so they can help contribute to the financial and economic prosperity of our district for generations to come.”

Natalie said: “As a child of the last Labour Government, I know how transformative investment in education can be.

“I am determined to deliver for the children of this constituency. Politics matters because it can change lives, and we cannot let Bolsover’s children be left behind.”

During the debate on November 11, Josh MacAlister, Education Minister, said: “Education is at the heart of the Government’s mission to break down barriers and give every young person the best start in life.

“Potential is spread across the country, but opportunity is not – and we must make sure it is, especially in places such as Bolsover.”

Natalie said: “Let us show these incredible children that we will not leave them behind any longer. I ask that we get spades in the ground and open the doors of North Derbyshire University Academy.”

Natalie now plans to launch a petition for residents to sign to continue pressure on the government, which can be found on her social media pages.