Agenda item

Outcomes of Consultation on Proposals to Change Three Grammar Schools from Single Gender to Co-Educational Provisions

Minutes:

Background:

 

This report outlined the outcomes of the consultation on proposals for three Medway grammar schools to change their admissions arrangements from single sex to co-educational provisions.

 

This report requested Cabinet approval for proposals to continue; the next stage of the process being for the three schools to formally consult on changing their admissions arrangements. The Cabinet were also asked to recommend that Full Council agree to fund the necessary building modifications to ensure appropriate facilities were available.

 

The report had been considered by the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 28 July 2022 and its comments were set out at section 9 of the report.

 

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken in relation to the Plan, details of which were set out in Appendix 3 to the report.

 

Decision

number:

 

Decision:

 

 

The Cabinet noted the comments made by the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee as set out in section 9 of the report.

 

 

The Cabinet noted the outcome of the consultation and the next part of the process, which was to be carried out by the individual schools, as set out in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

 

101/2022

The Cabinet recommended Full Council to agree to add £2.5 million to the Capital Programme to fund the necessary building modifications to ensure appropriate facilities are available (only if the Regional Schools Commissioner’s decision was to go ahead with the proposals).

 

 

Reasons:

 

The proposed changes would, in time, allow for an increase in the Medway Test pass percentage, and enable more Medway pupils, boys and girls to attend their local selective school.

 

It will ease the pressure on non-selective schools, providing Medway with more sustainable overall secondary provision, which should negate the need for further bulge classes within the non-selective sector, allowing those schools that are admitting pupils over Published Admission Number (PAN) to consolidate places and make best use of their resources and facilities.

Supporting documents: