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A Wallasey mum is questioning why Birkenhead Sixth Form College made 199 exceptions to its entry requirements over four years but refused to do the same for her disabled son, who achieved the highest possible grade in his chosen subject.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Finley Lamb, 17, wanted to study Spanish at A-Level after being awarded a Grade 9 at GCSE. Everything was on track, but the college allegedly withdrew his offer after he failed GCSE Maths, citing its requirement that students must pass both Maths and English. The requirement is stated on the sixth form's website, where it says "To study any of our A Level or BTEC courses, you will need five GCSEs including Maths and English Language: a minimum of three GCSEs at Grade 4 and two GCSEs at Grade 5". It also says at least a Grade 6 is required at GCSE to study Spanish as an A Level.
Finley's mum, Sara O'Donnell, submitted a Freedom of Information request after the college's principal, Rob Myatt, told her in a letter that entry requirements are "applied consistently to all applicants." The FOI results revealed that 199 exceptions had been made in the past four academic years.
"Now the obvious question is, if you've made 199 exceptions before, why haven't you made an exception in this case?" Ms O'Donnell said. "The wording of the letter said 'published entry requirements are applied consistently to all applicants.' Well then that doesn't make sense to me, I'm confused."
She added: "Finley deserves the chance to build on his strengths rather than have his future defined by his weakest subject."
Finley has a rare brain development disorder called periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH), and is also autistic with severe scoliosis.
"I'm talking to make it public what has happened to Fin because I think it's really unfair that someone who has overcome so much in his life, worked really hard and got a Grade 9," Ms O'Donnell told the Echo. I don't think it's unreasonable to find a solution that involves him studying Spanish at A-Level if he got a 9. It just seems madness to me."
Finley also spoke to the publication, saying he had "made two or three friends" on his induction day, and he was disappointed he doesn't think he'll see them again. His mother also added he has been "really sad". However, she isn't ready to give up, as she is "pursuing all avenues of complaint."
In response, principal Rob Myatt said in a statement: "The College applies its entry requirements consistently, while exercising appropriate professional judgement where individual circumstances warrant it. However, there are necessary limits to that discretion. Having considered the applicant's circumstances in full, we remain satisfied that this was the appropriate educational decision."
He added that the account presented publicly "does not reflect all the relevant information" but said the college's "responsibility to protect the applicant's confidentiality" prevents it from disclosing details that informed the decision.
