Agenda item

Consideration was given to a presentation of the Director of Education and Early Years regarding the provision and allocation of secondary school places in Oldham.

The Director of Education and Early Years was accompanied by the Education Provision Manager who provided information concerning Oldham’s demographics and the geography of demand for school places in the Borough.

It was explained that during the last few years, the Council had expanded the number of places available to pupils in primary schools to meet the increase in demand. Currently, the demand for primary school places was projected in East Oldham and Chadderton; this was due to the fact that new generations seemed to move to these areas. Consequently, feasibility studies were ongoing to evaluate the option of creating one new form entry in Chadderton and two new form entries in East Oldham.

With regard to the expansion of secondary school places, it was reported that a sharp increase in demand had been felt for the first time last year. Consequently, two full year groups Year 7 and Year 8 would be accommodated at Oasis Academy Leesbrook’s temporary building from September this year, before a brand new purpose-built school would open in 2020. However, according to demand projection, in 2022, the Borough would still be short of secondary school places in East and West Oldham. As the Department of Education had reopened Free School applications, it was hoped that a successful Multi Academy Trust (MAT) would make an application for a new secondary school expected to reopen in 2022. The Council had been in discussion with a number of MATS and was currently considering appropriate sites for a new secondary school in the centre of Oldham. Appraised sites would be brought to the attention of the Cabinet Members for their consideration.

The District Executive was informed that there were several Trusts interested in building new schools in Oldham. However, the School Commissioner would favourably look at those applications supported by the Local Authority.

A report would be presented to Cabinet within the next four – six weeks. By January 2019 it would be possible to know whether the application has been accepted. The building would be in Central Oldham to respond to the challenges identified.

With regard to the admission policy and the concerns raised by Mr. Rahman in his second question, a meeting would take place tomorrow morning with the Cranmer Education Trust; the instance for greater transparency in their admission policy would be reinforced.

Members sought and received clarification / commented on the following points:

-       Primary expansion and reliability of data analysis about areas with the highest projected demand for primary school places. Members explained that there was no more capacity for school places in Werneth and this was having an effect in Chadderton (new housing development in Werneth) – It was explained that data had been provided by Business Intelligence that had looked at demographics and housing development in Foxdenton, Chadderton.

-       Hathershaw College’s amendments to its admission policy and shortage of secondary school places within walking distance from Central Werneth and Coppice. Resources could be used in Central Oldham as the demand for school places was high – It was explained that having more partner primary schools required a lengthy consultation process.

-       Deadline for Trusts’ application – It was explained that no deadline had been yet confirmed.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The content of the presentation be noted;

2.    Further information be provided by Business Intelligence on the geography of projected primary school demand;

3.    Officers highlight Elected Members’ concerns regarding admission policy at Hathershaw’s to its leadership team.