Wiltshire College has closed its sixth form centre in Salisbury just days before a new intake of students was due to start.

Parents have been left angry that their children have been left without a place to study AS or A2 Levels so close to the beginning of term.

The college informed parents at the weekend, saying the decision had been taken following a review of the number of applications.

The college said the closure could mean some staff job losses or teaching hours being cut.

Vice principal Ben Allen said: "We are still working through the staffing implications."

He said that around 25 students will be unable to complete their A-level course at the college but added that they will be meeting with careers advisors to look at alternatives.

He denied the closure was a cost-cutting. "It is all about improving the student experience," he said.

Princiapl Di Dale said: “We have reviewed the A level offer at our Salisbury campus and have taken this difficult decision with immediate effect. The students' learning experience is an important part of our offer. We feel the very small class sizes (often of 1 or 2) restricts the learning experience for students significantly, which is why we have taken this decision.

"The college offers a wide range of inspirational vocational programmes at all levels to provide students with excellent opportunities for progression to higher education, apprenticeships and employment, as well as meeting the needs of the local Industry throughout Wiltshire.“

Janet Southwood from Salisbury, whose daughter Bethany was due to go there, said: “Bethany is devastated as she and her friends were so looking forward to starting there and the big adventure ahead.

“We chose the college as it was local and I didn’t want her to have to travel a long way on a bus. My older son studied there and I have attended courses there – we were all pleased with it.

“When we attended the open evening we thought the lecturers were young and enthusiastic, the new sixth form floor was very appealing for the students and the facilities were excellent.”

Anne Parker said her son Callum had attended a welcome day on July 3 and had already purchased a list of textbooks required for the course. She said: “When Callum told me he wanted to go to Salisbury College I had misgivings because of the past history at Salisbury College, but we attended the open evening and agreed with Callum that he should apply.

“He was interviewed, offered a place and has been receiving communication over the past weeks. On Saturday we received a letter to say that they would not be offering AS levels this September after all.

“This is very upsetting and unsettling. It seems very wrong that they should leave it so late to inform potential students that their AS level options are no longer available.”

In a letter to parents the director of customer services Stephanie Stephenson said: “Regretfully the A-level programme has now been closed. “This has been a very difficult decision to take but we feel that the very small class sizes would not provide the stimulating environment that we expect for students.

“We are very sorry for the distress that this decision may cause.”