(Councillors George Davies having declared a prejudicial interest in this item (see minute 138) left the room during its consideration.)

Cabinet were given an update of the progress so far with regard to the development of two proposed new Academies in Birkenhead. The Director of Children’s Services sought approval for the two Expressions of Interest and for commencement of the statutory consultation process for closure of the three secondary schools affected by the Phase 1 proposals.

With the permission of the Chair, both David Hughes, lead sponsor of the proposed Boys’ Academy, and Dr Colin Hankinson, representing the University of Chester, lead sponsor of the proposed mixed Academy, addressed the Cabinet and elaborated on both expressions of interest including their vision, ethos and specialisms for both academies. Both then responded to questions from Cabinet members.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning thanked the lead sponsors for sharing their visions with the Cabinet and remarked that this was potentially the best opportunity the authority would have to make a step change in the life chances of young people in Birkenhead. He also took the opportunity to pay tribute to staff of Park High, Ridgeway High and Rock Ferry High schools.

The Director, responding to members’ comments, stated that the proposed scheme was designed to look in a holistic way at secondary education in Birkenhead and was a single package which could not be split into different parts. Consultation would have to take place over the proposed closure of each of the 3 schools at the same time as consultation on the successor arrangements for the 2 academies.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the opportunity to improve the life chances of children within Birkenhead by the proposed injection of funding for a brand new purpose built academy and for a mixed academy.

Resolved -

(1) That Cabinet approves the Expressions of Interest for the two Academies and their submission to the Minister of State for Schools and Learners.

(2) That Cabinet requests that the Director of Children’s Services undertake all the necessary formal consultation processes and that these consider the proposals in their entirety, not just the individual elements under review.