FINAL year pupils at a Colchester school have been offered the chance to drop a GCSE subject amid ongoing issues with staffing.

Year 11 youngsters studying enterprise and marketing at Paxman Academy were told by school leaders the course cannot continue as it stands.

Executive head teacher Fiona Pierson said it was “not a decision we have taken lightly” when approached by the Gazette.

Families were written to after an “unexpected staff illness” means there are not enough teachers qualified to teach the specialist course.

Gazette: Under pressure - Paxman Academy has offered its pupils the chance to drop a subject due to staffing issuesUnder pressure - Paxman Academy has offered its pupils the chance to drop a subject due to staffing issues (Image: Clare Banks)

Pupils have been informed they can continue to study the course but it will be taught by a member of the senior leadership team.

Alternatively, they have been offered the time for additional maths support or to further their studies on another subject

Ms Pierson said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

“We would like to emphasise that this change to provision has been determined by temporary unforeseen staff absence.

Gazette: Brand new - Paxman Academy opened in 2019 after a £14 million projectBrand new - Paxman Academy opened in 2019 after a £14 million project (Image: Newsquest)

“We understand this may be a challenging situation for some students and we appreciate the understanding and cooperation as we navigate this unexpected challenge.

“Our primary concern is to provide the best educational experience for our students and we are dedicated to doing just that.”

The issues come amid wider concerns raised by a parent about staff retention at the school in Shrub End.

Speaking anonymously, the father said: “The school is in its fifth year and the whole senior leadership team has seen a large number of changes.

Gazette: Staffing woes - Paxman Academy has struggled to attract and retain teachersStaffing woes - Paxman Academy has struggled to attract and retain teachers (Image: Newsquest)

“My child’s science lesson for a whole year had about 75 per cent of lessons covered by substitute teachers.

“The majority of teachers that were at the school when my child started are no longer there and have moved schools.”

Ms Pierson said there is a national issue facing all schools when attracting new teachers, adding: “As well as overall recruitment and retention.

“Schools and trusts have to be really creative moving forward to make sure they limit any impact this may have on children.”