The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) detailing progress on the strategy for the provision of secondary places, as overseen by the School Places Working Party and sought consideration of the proposal for a Free School.

Resolved:

1. That current progress be noted and that the progression of expansion projects to procurement stage at good and outstanding secondary schools for September 2018, namely Shoeburyness High School and St Thomas More High School, be approved.

2. That the continuation of expansion discussions with remaining Good and Outstanding Schools, namely Belfairs Academy, The Eastwood Academy and St Bernard’s High School to secure the remaining 60 places still required for September 2018, be approved.

3. That it be agreed that a free school is required for September 2019 for the required additional 180 places (this requires the identification of council owned land to support any application to the Department of Education).

Reasons for Decision:

The Council has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient places for all statutory school aged children.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Courtenay