Agenda item

Cabinet considered a report which updated it on progress with the proposal to move to a single, two-tier system of education in the Pershore Education Planning Area (EPA).  It was confirmed that ideologically the Council was not wedded to a two or three tier system and a mixture of both remained in Worcestershire.  This specific proposal reflected the outcome of consultation where a majority of respondents supported the move to a single tier of education in the Pershore Education Planning Area (EPA).  Some parents were already choosing to apply to transfer their children to the High School at age 11 in any case, which impacted on local middle schools.

The Cabinet Member reported that the Department for Education had confirmed financial support for changes necessary to the High School, an Academy, subject to final confirmation from HM Treasury.  In seconding the recommendations, the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care reported that as a local member he understood confusion which arose in the area by being adjacent to an area which had 2 tier education.  Local schools were being required to move towards two tier through parental demand so it was appropriate that the Council co-operated with the proposed changes at its maintained schools and supported the first-tier schools to be viable for the future.  A clear pathway was needed for pupils and pathways.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

(a)   Considered and noted the findings of the pre-publication Consultation undertaken in October – November 2021 as outlined in paragraphs 27 – 29 of the report;

(b)   subject to confirmation of a successful business case to HM Treasury by the Department of Education, which proposes funding an expansion at Pershore High School being included in the Schools Rebuilding Programme, agreed a commitment to support a collective change of age range to align schools in the Pershore Education Planning Area (EPA) to a single, two-tier (primary and secondary) system of education;

(c)   noted the capital funding detailed in the Council budget for 2022-23, including the County Council’s capped contribution from borrowing of £1.3m in order to deliver either additional accommodation or repurposed accommodation at the LA Maintained schools:

(i) Defford-cum-Besford CE First School

(ii) Fladbury CE First School

(iii) Upton Snodsbury CE First School

(iv) Abbey Park First & Nursery School and

(v) Abbey Park Middle School

(d)  Noted the request from the DfE regarding disposal of surplus land, as set out in paragraph 56 of the report, and agreed in principle that if surplus land as identified is sold by Worcestershire County Council at a future date, the proceeds are paid to the DfE for costs incurred in the expansion of Pershore High School;

(e) If a coordinated collective solution can be agreed, delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education, the decision to publish the statutory proposals for Abbey Park First and Middle School to change age ranges to a Primary School; and

(f) Noted the critical milestones set out in paragraph 59 for changes from September 2025 at the earliest, subject to funding for Pershore High School from the Department for Education.