Decision details

For cabinet to approve the recommendations of the Keeping Education Strong Strategy

Kate Wooder, executive headteacher, Snowsfields and Tower Bridge primary schools and Sarah Beard, executive headteacher of Bessemer Grange were in attendance to provide their comments.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the following next steps be agreed:

a.  That the council continues to have discussions with the schools, MATs or Diocesan bodies concerned for the following schools about reducing their published admission number (PAN):

  i.  Bessemer Grange Primary School

  ii.  Goose Green Primary School

  iii.  Grange Primary School

  iv.  Rye Oak Primary School

  v.  St Francis Roman Catholic Primary School

  vi.  St Joseph’s Camberwell Catholic Infants School

  vii.  St Paul’s Church of England Academy.

That it be noted, as regards changes to the published admission number of a school, these can be made by the relevant admission authority. For community schools this is the council. For other schools the council will need to discuss their proposals with the relevant admission authority. Where it is proposed to vary admission arrangements already in place, this will need the agreement of the schools adjudicator after consultation with any relevant school.

b.  That the council continues to have discussions with the schools, MATs or Diocesan bodies about proposing a consultation on an amalgamation for the following schools:

  i.  Harris Academy Free (Academy Free, PA3, Rye Lane) with Harris Primary Academy Peckham Park (Academy, PA3, Peckham)

  ii.  Comber Grove primary school with another Southwark primary school to be identified.

  iii.  St Mary Magdalene Church of England primary school with another Southwark primary school to be identified.

c.  That it be noted that statutory processes apply to any proposal to alter a maintained school. Where amalgamations are recommended that will include the closure of a maintained school any proposals will be subject to statutory consultation and publication under the Education and Inspections Act 2006, and in accordance with regulations and guidance issued under that Act.

Any decisions to close a maintained school will ultimately need to be made by the cabinet.

Decisions regarding academies will be made by the relevant academy trust in consultation with the Department for Education.

2.  That the report and appendices be noted.