Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director, Children and Adults Services which provided detailed information in relation to the future of Roseberry College and Sixth Form from 31 August 2014, and to consider the views of stakeholders. The report further sought agreement to close Roseberry College and Sixth Form with effect from 31 August 2014 taking account of the Local Authority’s duties as prescribed in the Education and Inspections Act 2006, to secure sufficient school places, and to secure good outcomes for all children and young people in their local areas (for copy see file of minutes).

Representations were made by Mr B Oliver, Chairman of the governing body on behalf of the governors of the College. He advised how the school and governing body had been aware of some difficulties at the school which they were addressing, that the governors were disappointed at the way in which the proposed closure had been handled, that there were inaccuracies in the report, and that there had been no declarations by officers in the meeting of a conflict of interest. He went on to explain that not only was the education of pupils going to be severely affected, however the college was also a focal point in the community with much and varied activity. He requested on behalf of the pupils, parents, school and governing body that the college be kept open.

Laura Wolfe, a parent of pupils at the school emphasised the impact that the college closure would have on her son and other pupils, many of whom would have to move part the way through their course and the continuation of this elsewhere would be unlikely. She urged Cabinet to keep open the college in order to minimise the impact on the pupils and alleviate any stress on them from such a move.

The Corporate Director, Children and Adult Services acknowledged the impact on those pupils who were mid course and that the authority would work closely with pupils and other schools to minimise this. The academies are also working with the Authority and have already helped the successful transitional to a new school of many pupils. The college had 67% of surplus places which could not be sustained.

Cabinet members spoke of the inspection results over the last three years being only satisfactory, that the pupil numbers at the college had already been falling well before the proposals for closure came forward, that the lower pupil numbers at the college brought less finance and the impact of this no longer supported the delivery of a wider curriculum. Members were of the view that all pupils through the county should have a first class education and this would not be possible at the college.

Resolved:

That the recommendations contained in the report be approved.