Decision details

To propose a secondary strategy for Medway Council that will address success for all pupils.

88/2003 The Cabinet agreed the Medway Collaboration through Federation Principles as set out in paragraph 7.3 in the report.
89/2003 The Cabinet agreed that officers provide a coordinated approach to establishing 'specialist school status' for all Medway's secondary schools.
90/2003 The Cabinet agreed that officers conduct a time limited consultation with headteachers on proposed federation groupings.
91/2003 The Cabinet asked that the Director of Education and Leisure organise a meeting between David Hinchcliffe (DfES) and Headteachers to discuss Secondary Schools issues in Medway.
92/2003 The Cabinet agreed that officers explore the implications (and if appropriate) prepare for Member consideration a bid to the DfES to establish an Academy School in Medway.
93/2003 The Cabinet agreed that officers should work with the Rochester Diocese to identify how, with other ecumenical partners, standards could be raised in Medway. This could include the option of establishing a second faith secondary school in Medway.
94/2003 The Cabinet agreed that officers submit a report to Youth & Education Overview & Scrutiny on a Secondary School Strategy for Medway on 20 March 2003.
95/2003 The Cabinet agreed that officers submit a report back to Cabinet on all the proposals to develop a Secondary School strategy for Medway in due course.

It is clear that the DfES expects Councils to take 'drastic action' to avoid any of its schools failing to achieve floor targets.The Council has agreed PSA targets for performance and progression. Status quo is not an option for secondary education in Medway. It is essential to ensure that all Medway's pupils are enabled to realise their full potential and that all Medway's secondary schools are successful. There is now a small window of opportunity open for the Council to take radical action with its schools to ensure success for all.