Councillor Lynne Moran presented the Secondary School Expansion Programme 2019-2020 and Primary School Provision report for approval, that was exempt as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Resolved:

1. That the formal proposal for schools to be included within the Secondary School Expansion Programme 2019-2020 be approved.

2. That permission be granted to enter into formal negotiations with Academy Trusts.

3. That it be agreed to receive further reports detailing the proposed works and the arrangements with various schools and academies and detailed cost plans before capital budgets are agreed.

4. That it be noted that, in addition to the proposed Secondary School Expansion Programme 2019-2020, projected levels of secondary demand suggest that further significant investment in additional school places may be required in the future to ensure that supply can meet demand. This may be over and above the approved capital programme.

5. That it be noted that the Secondary School Expansion Programme 2019-2020 involves both temporary and permanent solutions to meet short and medium-term demand. This approach has been taken to ensure that an oversupply of school places is not created. Future demand may be influenced as a consequence of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, and through the establishment of free schools within the City.

6. That it be noted that the funding strategies to support the Secondary School Expansion Programme 2019-2020 will be subject to approval through the appropriate governance mechanisms.

7. That it be noted that pupil forecasts for future primary cohorts show that further uplifts may be required in certain planning areas from 2020. The Local Authority is not proposing any primary expansion programmes at present; however, Cabinet are asked to note the proposal from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to open a primary free school in the City. The Secretary of State is the decision maker in relation to any applications to establish a Free School.

8. That it be noted that the Council is not in full control of all the factors relating to the effective and timely supply of school places. The Regional Schools Commissioner is responsible for determining if academies can expand.