Cabinet considered aproposed programme of school expansion. The Lead Member explained that the report was very important in that it requested significant investment in excellent education across the Borough. Cabinet had already approved expansion of £20m; the report proposed investment of £30m in school places. Officers were to be commended for their work with schools to find options that were best for the school and the community as a whole, not necessarily just the easiest or cheapest option.

The Deputy Lead Member for School Improvement referred to the new Prime Minister’s statement that it was the mission of the government to make a country that worked for everyone. This was also the mission of the council and it started with children’s education. The large investment was only possible because of the sound housekeeping by Lead Members and officers in recent years. The proposed investment would not simply increase the PAN for one year, it would serve all the children in the school for a substantial number of years. The data showed that the borough was spending above average per pupil (£23,000 compared to £18,000). It was important to take into account the actual structures of the schools, which had often started small and grown through popularity. The council was aiming for a 10% surplus in places.

Members noted an error in Table 3 of the report:

·         column D for Furze Platt Senior should read: 4.5 (D2)

·         column D for Dedworth Middle should read: 4.7 (C2)

Cabinet was addressed by Ms Heidi Swidenbank of Cox Green School. She stated that this was a landmark paper. Cox Green was passionate about delivering the best for young people through three core principles:  commitment, aspiration and collaboration. The school was holding its own in terms of exam results, which were significantly above the national average. The previous year’s Ofsted report showed the hard work of parents, teachers and pupils. Young people should be the powerful citizens of the future; this investment would allow them to achieve success. The school welcomed the opportunity to work with officers and the dialogue with councillors. Cox Green was a comprehensive school that catered for all needs and the local community. In recent years links had been established with the local primary schools and the parent body. The investment would provide a suitable dining facility at the school, which was important for pupil’s social skills.

Cabinet was addressed by Ms Tanya White of Furze Platt Senior School. She explained that governors at the school had been committed to the expansion plans since inception. Furze Platt was a school at the heart of the community; the vast majority of pupils lived within one mile. The school had excellent relationships with local primary schools. Whilst the school was highly successful, with exam results above the national average, the school wanted to do better. It had a clear vision for the campus so it could offer more to pupils of all abilities during the day, evening and in school holidays. The proposals would increase provision for those with additional learning needs including inviting facilities for independent learning. It would also enable the extension of additional courses and masterclasses for those most able. The school had a track record of inclusiveness, working with the local authority and seeing through large scale projects.

Cabinet was addressed by Mr Martyn Parker of Charters School. He explained that Charters was proud to be a comprehensive school, fully serving the local community. The school had been judged Outstanding in the last two Ofsted inspections and had sustained excellence at Key Stage 4 and 5. However, the school was not complacent, for example there had been a strategic focus on the sixth form in the last few years. The school was committed to allocating resources to increase social mobility. It hoped to match the success of pupils with physical disabilities at the school. Mr Parker referred to the PiXL Edge programme for employability and life skills that ran at the school. The school welcomed the proposed investment as it was important not to dilute success with inappropriate facilities.

Cabinet was addressed by Mr Gavin Henderson of The Windsor Learning Partnership. He stated that the partnership had the single aim of increasing attainment and progress at all Key Stages. Raw attainment at GCSE was very good; this had been achieved by systematic, structural and strategic development over a number of years. A key area was further development on inclusion to eliminate deprivation barriers to learning and increase social mobility. The partnership was also committed to improving opportunities for gifted and talented students. The partnership had worked closely with planners on design, being fully conscious of the need for value for money. Wide consultation had been undertaken with the community, school and parents, who were all in support.

The Lead Member for Environmental Services commented that it was fantastic that this level of investment could be made in schools so that children could take advantage of every opportunity. Secondary schooling was so important for an individual’s future. It was important to ensure the facilities provided were as good as possible. He congratulated all involved.

The Deputy Lead Member for Ascot Regeneration highlighted that the Local Plan would lead to the regeneration of Ascot including significant residential development. Charters would play a key role in helping the council manage the growth.

The Lead Member commented that young people did not get a vote on the decisions taken by the council so it was important to listen to those who were in daily contact with the children of the borough. The proposals presented a critical opportunity for partnership working whilst the political and educational landscape continued to shift.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Cabinet:

i.       To agree the proposed programme of school expansion and delegate responsibility to the Managing Director/Strategic Director, Adults, Children and Health to begin procurement, with the final proposals to be approved by full Council, at a cost of up to £29.6m, see point 2.18 for full details.  The average price per place, if the schemes are approved, is £23,817 versus the £10k per place approved for Holyport College in 2015.  Schemes:

·  Charters School:                     Option A2 scheme total £4.3m.

·  Cox Green School:                 Option B2 scheme total £4.7m.

·  Dedworth Middle School:     Option C2 scheme total £4.7m.

·  Furze Platt Senior School:    Option D2 scheme total £4.5m.

·  The Windsor Boys’ School:Option E1 scheme total £1.8m.

·  Windsor Girls’ School:           Option F1 scheme total £2.3m.

·  30 places in Maidenhead:      Option to be determined, based on a cost of approximately £3.5m.

·  Programme design and risk contingency of £3.7m.

ii.      Approve the Managing Director/Strategic Director of Adults, Children and Health with the Lead Member for Children’s Services to undertake negotiation with two schools, Cox Green and Furze Platt, to agree the location of the remaining 30 places by the end of September 2016

iii.     Notes the continuing increase in demand for secondary, middle and upper schools in the Royal Borough from 2019, see Appendix D: Projected shortfall of secondary school places, and approves:

·         Discussion with all secondary schools in the Royal Borough over small increases in Published Admission Numbers to provide places for demographic growth in 2019.

·         Development work for addressing the growth from 2020 and requests a report to Cabinet in April 2017 with proposals for meeting this demand.