Agenda item

(a)  That a maximum of £3,000,000 of grant funding (Basic Needs Grant) be allocated to fund construction of one form of entry at Langley Grammar School; and

(b)  That the Chief Executive following consultation with the Leader of the Council and Commissioner for Education be given delegated authority to agree the final sum, based on construction costs, and any conditions including appropriate changes to the school’s admissions policy.

The Chief Executive introduced a report seeking approval to fund a one form of entry expansion of Langley Grammar School from Basic Needs Grant in association with other major works for which the school was seeking national funding.

The Cabinet noted that the school’s bid for inclusion on the Department for Education’s Priority School Building Programme 2 would, if successful, result in a major rebuilding of the school and it was considered that expanding the school at the same time would both cost-effective and efficient.  The proposals included the creation of much needed new SEN provision.  Commissioners also noted that the funding allocation for new school places in Slough was sufficient to support the funding required for this proposal and the investment offered an opportunity to meet the growing demand for secondary school places in the borough.

In order to satisfy the principles in Slough’s school places strategy relating to the balance of selection and non-selective places, some changes to Langley Grammar’s admissions policy would be required.  A number of adjustments had already been agreed from September 2015 and further options were being positively explored between officers and the school.

After due consideration, the Cabinet agreed to support the proposal which it believed would help meet the rising demand for secondary school places and SEN provision, and offered an opportunity to increase the number of Slough children at the school.  It was agreed that the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to conclude the agreement including any adjustments to the school’s admissions policy.

Resolved –

(a)  That a maximum of £3,000,000 of grant funding (Basic Needs Grant) be allocated to fund construction of one form of entry at Langley Grammar School; and

(b)  That the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the Council and Commissioner for Education, be given delegated authority to agree the final sum, based on construction costs, and any conditions including appropriate changes to the school’s admissions policy.