PARENTS and students have hit out after a meeting aimed at giving them the chance to have their say on plans to temporarily suspend a Wirral sixth form next year was cancelled.

The decision to suspend admissions for one year at Kingsway Academy, in Moreton, was made last week following  a review to ensure "the correct allocation of resources" during the school's transition to academy status.

Current Year 12 students will still be able to complete their second year of sixth form study from September 2015.

But current Year 11 students will not have the option of staying on at the school - formerly known as Wallasey School - which held its sixth form opening evening in November.

Staff at the school said the temporary suspension of admissions will "allow a better focus of resources" ahead of a "significant programme of investment" from the Northern Schools Trust, who sponsor the school.

A meeting between parents and governors at the Birket Avenue school was due to be held on Wednesday evening but was cancelled at the last minute after what staff at the school described as "offensive and inappropriate" comments on social media.

In a joint letter sent to parents on Tuesday, principal Amanda Cawood and chair of governors Terry Wood said: "Due to the number of offensive and inappropriate comments on Facebook and within community groups, we will now only be meeting with parents/carers of the 77 pupils who applied to join the sixth form in September 2015.

"Our sole focus and commitment is to ensure that we support you in finding the right pathway or provision for your child at alternative post 16 providers."

Jordan Oldham, who is currently in Year 11 and planned to stay on at Kingsway's sixth form next year, was left angry by the decision to cancel the meeting.

He told the Globe: "That was our opportunity to meet with the governors and the people making the decision as a group, and our chance to have a discussion and now they have taken that away."

Appointments to meet a member of Kingsway's senior team are expected to be offered to parents in the coming days.

Laura Lloyd, whose son is also in Year 11, said: "It's the language they have used, there has been no apology, it is all very matter of fact.

"It's blatant disregard and it's hard for these kids who will finish two years prematurely their life in that school now.

"The kids have been great throughout this. All we can do is go down fighting. I just want to see the facts and figures behind this decision and I have written to the school asking questions."

Laura added: "I will be holding the governors personally responsible if any of the kids don't get their expected GCSEs because of this upset."

In a statement released last week, principal Amanda Cawood said: "Our number one priority is the success of our students. This temporary reduction will allow us to turn our full focus to improving the education opportunities for students aged 11-16 and ensure we have the best outcomes for students joining us now and in September 2016.

"In September 2016, we will launch a new and improved academic and vocational curriculum for post-16 students offering more direct routes into employment for every student.

"Staff are working hard to support current Year 11 students and their parents in making applications to other local good and outstanding sixth form providers."

A petition has been set up against the decision, with students now campaigning in the hope of changing the minds of those in charge.

Jordan told the Globe: "We feel abandoned as an entire year, there's no planning about this and the timing is horrible.

"The year above me, they have the chance to stay on, they have the opportunity and the year below me will, but we don't, our year will just be forgotten."

To sign the petition, click here.