At its meeting on 27 May 2010, the Cabinet had decided that, following consultation with governing bodies, staff, parents and other stakeholders, statutory notices should be published regarding the closure of Park High School and Rock Ferry High Schools in order to establish an Academy. (Minute No. 3 refers).  Notices were subsequently published on 9 June 2010.

A report by the Director of Children’s Services described the outcome of the representation period that had followed and recommended that the proposals be approved, subject to the Academy’s Funding Agreement being signed by the Secretary of State.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the proposals for the closure of Park High School and Rock Ferry High School be conditionally approved subject to the Secretary of State’s signature on the Funding Agreement for the new Academy taking place by 31 December 2010; and

(2)   the Director of Children’s Services be authorised to take all necessary steps to ensure the prescribed procedures are followed in furtherance of the proposal, with closure of the schools on 31 December 2010.