A TROUBLED Hampshire college is scrapping A-level courses and axing jobs as its problems continue to escalate.

Students at Totton College are being urged to switch to another educational establishment in the middle of their course in a move that has angered parents.

The decision to axe A-levels is also likely to result in the loss of four full-time equivalent posts.

Worried parents fear their children could fail their exams as a result of having to transfer to another college halfway through their course.

One mum said: “It's an absolute fiasco.”

Another parent added: “My step-daughter is settled and has made new friends but has got to find another college. She's in tears.”

As reported in the Daily Echo, Totton College is facing a cash crisis and hopes to merge with another organisation in a bid to secure its future.

But it suffered a major blow last month when neighbouring Eastleigh College pulled the plug on a potential rescue deal.

Last night it emerged that no new A-level courses would be available after September.

A letter to parents says: “Due to falling student numbers Totton College has been facing financial difficulties and over recent months we have been seeking a merger partner.

“Unfortunately, the uncertainty over the college's future has further reduced the number of students applying to study with us from September 2015.

“With great regret we have taken the decision that we can no longer offer viable A-level programmes to new applicants from September onwards.”

Pupils are being offered the choice of either staying at the college or switching to another educational establishment.

The letter urges students to leave, saying small class sizes makes staying at the college “the less desirable option”.

It adds: “We have been in close contact with other local colleges who have promised to prioritise the application of any students who wish to transfer for their final year.

“”For anyone unable or unwilling to transfer, we will endeavour to provide teaching and support to complete their A2 studies until summer 2016.”

Last night the college issued a statement outlining the impact on existing students - and those who had planned to go there in September.

The statement said: “We continue to offer a number of well-regarded vocational courses, including BTECs at all levels and students may wish to consider their options to change to a vocational course.

“If A-levels remain their preferred option we can support them to transfer their application to a college that can offer A Level courses.

“As many students choose to apply to more than one college, they may have already made applications with a suitable alternative provider.

“Richard Taunton Sixth Form College and Brockenhurst College have both agreed to treat any transferred applicants as a high priority.”

A college spokesman confirmed that the changes could result in the loss of four full-time equivalent posts.

He added: “We are working as much as possible to limit the amount of people affected.

“This was not a decision taken lightly, and we are working closely with staff to offer them as much support and guidance as we can throughout this difficult time.”