This report provides the Children, Young People and Education Committee with an overview of the feasibility study that has taken place in relation to Clare Mount Specialist Sports College relocating to the former Kingsway Academy, Wallasey.

 A report was brought to committee in November to explore whether this would be a viable option and if Clare Mount Specialist Sports College would like to explore this option.

The former Kingsway Academy is part of the Wirral Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schools’ contract that was signed in 2007. The PFI scheme allowed for the significant refurbishment and new build of nine schools across the local authority. This included eight secondary schools and one primary school.

The former Kingsway Academy school building has remained empty since the closure of the school. The site is being maintained by the current PFI contractor until a use for the building has been formalised.

Options in relation to the school building use had been explored at the end of 2019, of which one of these was the possibility of Clare Mount Specialist Sports College moving to the former Kingsway Academy building. Options outlined have not been developed further due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed relocation of Clare Mount Specialist Sports College to the former Kingsway Academy site supports the Brighter Futures theme of the Wirral Plan 2021 - 26 and specifically the delivery of the school asset and sufficiency and SEND strategies.

This matter affects residents across the borough. This is a key decision.

Resolved – That

(1) a formal consultation for Clare Mount Specialist Sports College to move to the former Kingsway Academy from September 2022 be undertaken.

(2) the Director of Children, Families and Education to explore future options for the remaining part of the building that will be un-occupied.

The Children, Young People and Education Committee has a role in making sure that council assets are utilised in the most appropriate way and have a positive impact on the lives of Wirral’s young people.

The current cost to the council of the former Kingsway Academy is £867.5k per annum; this cost will continue and increase by indexation (RPI) annually if the site remains within the PFI contract, until July 2031 or until another use of the building is found.

Clare Mount Specialist Sports College have been consulted regarding the relocation to the former Kingsway Academy, they are supportive of the move and see the significant benefits it has to offer.

Clare Mount Specialist Sports College are currently using the CLC on the former Kingsway Academy for their sixth form provision. This proposal would allow the sixth form provision to be within the same building as the school provision.

Through site visits and consultation with the school leadership team, the building adaptations that are required to allow Clare Mount Specialist Sports College to move are realistic in the timescales given.

In the previous report brought to committee in November 2021 several options were outlined for consideration. The option to move Clare Mount Specialist Sports College to the former Kingsway Academy is seen as the preferred option

We could do nothing and the current liability of the PFI costs associated with the former Kingsway Academy will remain with the local authority for the next 10 years.