Decision details

In March 2008 Council approved a strategy for the future of secondary schools in Bath & North East Somerset. In May 2008 Cabinet agreed to consult on proposed changes to some Bath schools.

Following this consultation exercise, the Cabinet made a decision at its meeting on 21-July.  That original decision was Called In and the Call-in was upheld by the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel at its meeting on 10-Aug-10.  The Panel asked the Cabinet to reconsider its original decision.

It was RESOLVED:

To CONFIRM the original decision, taken by Cabinet on 21-Jul-10, which was:

(1) To SUPPORT the proposed federation of St Mark's C of E school on its current site with St Gregory's Catholic College, with joint Post 16 provision for both schools. Invite the two schools to proceed with this hard federation so that it is in place for 1 September 2011;

(2) To SUPPORT Oldfield school in seeking to become a coeducational academy and obtain written confirmation from the Head and the Governing Body by Friday 17 September 2010 that coeducational status has been included in the school's Application to Convert to an Academy sent to the Secretary of State, with the intention that it will become a co-educational academy by 1 September 2012;

(3) That if written confirmation that co-educational status has been included in Oldfield school's Application to convert to an Academy by Wednesday 1 September 2012 is not received by Friday 17 September 2010 the LA to commence a competition to invite proposers to submit bids for a new 160 place co-educational 11-18 school on the existing Oldfield school site and to propose the closure of Oldfield school and the opening of a new co-educational school on 1 September 2012;

(4) To CONSULT on the proposal to close Culverhay school.

Having considered all the submissions, from the Overview and Scrutiny Panel, public, Councillors, school governing bodies and staff, the Cabinet observed that no new or additional information had been received which would lead them to overturn the original decision.

The Cabinet could have decided to amend or overturn their original decision.  The available options were fully explored in the reports and in the debate at the meeting.