Decision details

Cabinet:

1.     noted the routes and processes for establishing new schools,

2.     adopted the proposed policy position set out in section 4.8 of the report when considering proposals for the establishment of a new voluntary aided faith school or academy with religious designation, and

3.     adopted the proposed policy position set out in section 4.9 of the report regarding whether new schools in Peterborough should be single sex or mixed.

Establishment of new schools

For Cabinet to understand the routes available for establishing new schools, and how new schools are funded.

Voluntary aided schools

Two applications have been made to the Department for Education’s capital fund to open two new voluntary aided primary schools in Peterborough.  If either or both of these funding applications are approved by the DfE (decision expected late May 2019) the Council will need to exercise its statutory power as decision maker to determine whether or not to establish the new schools.  It is therefore, important that the Council has a policy which will provide the context within which to consider these and any future applications or proposals to open new schools with a religious designation.

Whether the school will be mixed or single sex

The Council does not currently have a policy on whether new schools should be mixed or single sex.  It is important that the Council has a policy which will provide the context within which to consider any future applications or proposals to open new schools with single sex designation.

Status quo i.e. having no policy on the development of new faith schools could run the risk of legal challenge that the Council was not complying with its duty to promote choice, diversity and equality of education provision.  Whereas it would be good practice to consider the provision of sufficient and suitable denominational school places as part of its broader approach to place planning for basic need, with each new development, or area of growth, being considered on its individual circumstances and needs.

None.

Establishing a voluntary aided school: guidance & criteria (DfE December 2018)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/voluntary-aided-schools-capital-scheme