Issue - meetings

Secondary Review - Phase 1

Meeting: 06/11/2008 - Cabinet (Item 252)

252 Secondary Review - Phase 1 pdf icon PDF 117 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services presented a report which advised the Cabinet of progress on the Phase 1 Area Review of secondary school places in the Birkenhead and Bebington areas. Following the report from an independent consultant, the report put forward a recommendation for an option for consultation, and commented briefly on some of the issues involved, including the proposed Academy at Birkenhead High School for Girls and the implications of the National Challenge.

 

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning indicated that this was the start of a process that would be considered in manageable blocks.  He was determined to raise standards in schools and felt that the proposal for new Academy in Birkenhead was an exciting option.  He indicated that there would be thorough consultation with all Stakeholders and was pleased with the support of headteachers.

 

Councillor George Davies referred to the proposed Academy being for the age range 11-16 and it was agreed that the recommendation would be amended accordingly.

 

Resolved:  That

 

(1)  the Director begins formal discussions with the DCSF and potential sponsors with a view to the establishment of a new Academy in Birkenhead with an age range of 11 to 16;

 

(2)  Cabinet confirms that, in principle, the Council would wish to become a co-sponsor of the Academy;

 

(3)  detailed feasibility work begins with a view to establishing the size of the proposed Academy and its location in order to create an official Expression of Interest for an Academy;

 

(4)  in the light of (3), consultations begin on the closure of Rock Ferry High and Park High School in order to establish a new Academy for their pupils;

 

(5)  the Director undertakes formal discussions with the Girls Day School Trust and the DCSF to explore the future relationship between Birkenhead High School and Prenton High School and the relationship of both with the Authority;

 

(6)  the Director brings back a further report to Cabinet on the implications of  the above proposals on other schools and colleges;

 

(7)  the revised Expression of Interest for Building Schools for the Future be the subject of a further report to Cabinet;

 

(8)  the above recommendations be the subject of a detailed consultation exercise with key stakeholders and a further report be brought back to Cabinet on the outcome of this including any other suggestions raised during the consultation phase.