AN academy school in Garston has announced it will no longer be offering maths and science A Level subjects to its sixth form pupils.

Francis Combe Academy, in Horseshoe Lane, has announced that for the academic year beginning in September sixth form pupils will no longer have provisions to maths or science A Levels.

The school gained academy status in September 2009. Principal Leo Gilbert said: "For the academic year beginning in September 2013 Francis Combe Academy will not be offering A Level provision in mathematics or science. The Academy’s management did not take this decision lightly and understands the concern of some parents.

"The Academy strives to offer our students the best chance of success, and therefore must aspire to certain standards in the courses we run. There are many factors, such as teaching resources and student numbers, which affect the learning experience and the subjects which we offer among our broad range of A Level options.

Mr Gilbert added the academy would be investigating opportunities to work in partnership with local schools and West Herts College to offer our students provision in maths and science.

In an Ofsted report from June 2012 the academy was rated at a "satisfactory" level while it said "teaching seen in the sixth form was good or better on almost every occasion."

Ahead of GCSE results in August last year, findings showed stronger outcomes in mathematics and science at the academy than previously.

Watford MP Richard Harrington highlighted his concern regarding the academy’s decision to stop the provision of "core subjects" and said he would be contacting Francis Combe immediately.

Mr Harrington said: "In fairness to the Francis Combe Academy they have achieved a great amount since becoming an academy and I have been very impressed with their improvements.

"However, children and students should be given the chance to study core subjects and it is very reasonable to expect this."