A report by the Director of Children’s Services advised the Cabinet of the outcome of the consultation process which had taken place in regard to the closure of the predecessor schools; Park High School and Rock Ferry School, as agreed by the Cabinet on 14 January 2010. The report described the responses, including additional suggestions put forward during the consultation process, and made recommendations with regard to statutory proposals in the area.  It provided a provisional update on the separate consultation by the lead sponsor, the University of Chester, regarding the opening of an Academy.

Councillor Jeff Green invited members of the public to speak on the proposal to establish an Academy. Dr. Colin Hankison, Director of 14-19 and Academy Development at the University of Chester made a presentation on the comprehensive consultation carried out, assisted by Professor David Cracknell, specifically in respect of the Sanderling Unit.  They argued that new build outweighed the refurbishment of an old school and that the Academy would work best in a taylor-made building designed to fit the curriculum that would be offered. A number of questions were put by Members and answered accordingly by the representatives of the University. 

It was noted that efforts had been made to identify a site on which to build the Academy but it had not been possible.  Members were anxious to make progress and were aware that the Academy would work in refurbished premises but would work better in a new building.  They had the security of knowing that the Park High School site was available before the funding agreement was signed.  

The main specialisms of the Academy would be Applied Learning and Sport and Performing Art.  

Councillor Jeff Green thanked Dr Hankinson for his excellent presentation. Members paid tribute to the staff, pupils, ex-pupils and governors of the Schools who had contributed to the consultation and who had been through a period of uncertainty.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  statutory proposals be published in respect of the following proposal:

‘To close Rock Ferry High School and Park High Schools’;

(2)  the closure date for the two schools be set in accordance with the proposed opening date for the new Academy, by agreement with the University of Chester as lead sponsor and the Department for Children, Schools and Families; and

(3)  the Director of Children’s Services be authorised to take all necessary steps to publish these proposals, ensure the prescribed procedures are followed, including requesting permissions from the Secretary of State, in furtherance of the proposals.

(4)  the Director of Children’s Services continue to develop plans, in conjunction with the sponsors and partnerships for Schools, to locate the proposed new Academy at the current Park High site, as agreed by the Cabinet on 26 November 2009; and

(5)  as work continues towards the Academy Funding Agreement, Cabinet instructs the Director of Children’s Services to explore further whether a suitable site and funding might be available to accommodate the Academy as a new build.