KIDDERMINSTER Academy is set to close in September following a review by the FE Commissioner.

Birmingham Metropolitan College has confirmed the closure of the Kidderminster Academy based at the Piano Building in Weaver's Wharf, with current students set to be transferred to other centres to complete their studies in the next academic year.

It has been confirmed that those studying fashion, media, games design and textiles at the academy will move to the Art and Design Centre at Brierley Hill with Dudley College of Technology.

Students on hair and makeup, hospitality and animal care courses will transfer to Kidderminster College.

In a statement, BMet said: “We are committed to ensuring that students at the academy are able to continue with their studies and have put arrangements in place for this to happen.”

The news comes after an eight-week review into BMet’s Black Country provision, which resulted in other announcements that Stourbridge College will close, and the landmark Hagley Road campus will be sold off.

BMet, which runs the skills and entrepreneurial centre, reviewed its education provision in Kidderminster at the request of the FE Commissioner and Education and Skills Funding Agency - just months after being hit with a third 'requires improvement' rating by Ofsted.

BMet also runs a Football Academy in association with Kidderminster Harriers Football Club which gives sporting students chance to develop their football skills and achieve a recognised sports qualification.

The closure of Kidderminster Academy will not affect the provision for students in the Football Academy, according to the Harriers.

An event will be held on Saturday, May 11 between 10am and 2pm at Stourbridge College and the Art and Design Centre, where students will have a chance to ask questions and to find out more.

Kidderminster College principal Andy Dobson said: "It’s a sad day when a college closes, and we send our best wishes to the students and staff effected.

"Kidderminster College has been proud to serve the community for nearly 140 years and plans to do so for another 140.

"We are working with BMet to arrange a smooth transfer for current students, and will be increasing our capacity to ensure we have enough places for all the young people who want a college place in Kidderminster."

Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said: "I am disappointed but if it's not working, it's not working.

"I'm certainly sad that this loss will result in less choice for students in Wyre Forest.

"Kidderminster College is very good and I know that they will do very well for local students. But they can't provide courses in everything and that loss of choice is sad.

"The future of the Piano Building is in doubt. BMet has a lease untill 2020 so will have to maintain the building until then. However, I sincerely hope that we find a new tenant or tenants for it. It is a fabulous site with a huge amount of potential."