CedarBridge Academy will not offer classes for students 18 and older next year.

A lack of space at the new senior secondary school at Prospect has forced this decision, deputy principal John Walsh revealed in a letter sent out to parents this month.

"Year Five students in particular should note carefully that we do not have space to offer a Year Six programme at CedarBridge next year,'' Mr. Walsh stated.

"It will be important for them to give their best efforts to acquire as many credits as possible this year.'' The Year Six programme, which began last September as one of the major planks of education reform at the senior secondary school level, was set up to help: High school drop-outs gain a second chance; Students with a "strong'' academic background who wish to spend a year preparing for entry into college; Students who have successfully graduated, but wish to upgrade their transcript and take advantage of new facilities and courses; and Students who need additional courses in order to obtain the Bermuda Secondary School Certficate.

Under the new Education Act, a person "shall not, without the prior approval of the (Education) Minister, be deprived of the right to a senior school education in an aided or a maintained school by reason only of the fact of that child having attained the age of 16 years, if that child has not attained the age of 21 years''.

But the Island's only senior secondary school, which should accommodate no more than 950 students, already has a student population of 1,130.

And in his letter dated February 10, Mr. Walsh warned parents that the school was closely watching students who will be 16 prior to September 1 and are unable to fulfil their BSSC graduation requirements.

"Those who are failing and not making the effort to be responsible school citizens will have their programme and position at CedarBridge reviewed at the end of the school year,'' he said. "Students who do not meet the school's expectations in the two areas mentioned will not be given placement in September, 1998.'' Mr. Walsh also expressed concern about students' attendance and dress.

"There are far too many students who show little concern that their lateness to school and failure to attend classes will result in poor academic performance and failure to graduate,'' he wrote.

CedarBridge students have to earn a minimum of 35 credits in order to graduate with a BSSC.

They also have to take history and geography in their first year at the senior level, civics in years four and five, physical education from years one through four unless they are exempted for medical reasons.

Neither Mr. Walsh nor CedarBridge principal Ernest Payette could be reached for comment yesterday.