Kirsty Turner had been looking forward all summer to starting an A-Level textiles course at Bicester Community College this month.

But on her first day at the college she was told the course had been scrapped.

The 16-year-old, of Oak Close, Bicester, said that without the qualification she would struggle to win a university place in the future to study fashion merchandising.

She added: “I feel like I have been cheated, because they said I could do these courses and then the next minute I couldn’t and so it’s like I can’t trust them.

“I’m not sure what I will do but at the moment I’m going to finish my AS-Levels there and go to another college for business studies and textiles, so I can then go to university.”

Kirsty’s father Ian Turner said: “At her sixth-form interview at the college, prior to the summer holidays, she was assured that the A-Level course already had enough enrolments and would definitely run, so she based her decision to stay at the college for her A-Levels on this information.

“She purchased new equipment the day prior to starting and went to college on the first day of term excited and motivated, only to be told at this unacceptably late time that the course was not running and was sent home very upset and distressed.” He said the college’s headteacher Jason Clarke had not returned his calls and he was finally contacted by another member of staff.

In a statement Mr Clarke said: “Both I and the senior team hold a weekly surgery, at which parents are able to discuss any matters related to their child’s education.

“Our sixth-form curriculum offers a comprehensive range of courses that are regularly reviewed in light of student demand and our commitment to delivering the highest quality provision.

“I anticipate that with the planned increase of sixth-form provision in Bicester, collaboration between the schools will facilitate the sustainable provision of an even wider range of courses.

“For reasons of confidentiality, it would be inappropriate for the college to provide any details of discussions between staff and individual students.”

Thecollege refused to give the number of cancelled courses and students affected.

Mr Clarke added: “As far as we’re aware, only one of our potential sixth-form applicants who met our entrance criteria subsequently chose to pursue their studies elsewhere.

“We’re committed to the goal of all Bicester’s young people remaining in education beyond the age of 16.”

Have you been affected by course changes? Call our newsdesk on 01865 425500 or email