FOUR pupils studying a floristry course at a Dorset college have been told they will not be able to continue their studies next year.

Kingston Maurward College has told the students and parents that they will not be running the level 3 Floristry Course starting in September 2024 due to a low number of applicants and financial costs.

The school has suggested that the students could continue to study the subject in Bridgwater or Bournemouth.

Sofia Hopps, 16, was one of the students who had been planning on taking the course in the next school year, having completed the Level 2 course.

Her mother Kate said: "I think it is atrocious.

"My daughter is autistic, it is not that simple to tell her to go and do something else.

"She had finally found something she enjoyed doing.

"I think it is unfair to pull the plug on them.

"One of the solutions they offered us was going to a college in Bridgwater, but that is a long way to go, it would be a four-hour commute.

"They are denying her education, we want to keep going to Kingston Maurward.

"I am furious with the school."

Tom Hallam, Deputy Principal of Kingston Maurward College, said: "Due to a very low number of applicants that have applied for the L3 Floristry course starting this September 2024, Kingston Maurward College has made the difficult decision not to offer this course for the coming academic year.

"This decision was made following a thorough review of financial viability, which takes place each year for all courses.

"After careful consideration, this review highlighted that the low number of applicants for the L3 Floristry course would generate a significant financial loss for the college.

"All of the current L3 Floristry students who started their course this academic year will not be affected by this decision and will achieve their full qualification at the end of this academic year and there are no other current students enrolled on a L3 floristry course at the college.

"For the small number of applicants who have applied to start the course this September, all were contacted by the College and have been offered information, advice and guidance on potential alternative options for level 3 study.

"The college will revisit this decision ahead of September 2025 enrolments and if applications increase, the course will be reinstated."

Edward Morello, MP for West Dorset said: "The decision to cancel the course at short notice is deeply concerning.

"I have spoken personally to the college and received assurances that the students affected are being supported.

"However students entering further and higher education need to have confidence in their decision.

"I will be writing to the Secretary of State for Education to request a meeting to discuss how we can ensure that adequate and long term funding is provided to allow students to follow their passions at education establishments in their local area."