Agenda item

Resolved that the proposals as set out in the report’s conclusion be agreed and Officers to be instructed to initiate implementation.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 25^th October 2013, then it will be implemented.

The Executive considered a report (Agenda Item 8) which set out a proposed development strategy for John O’Gaunt School which linked to broader education provision in Hungerford.

Councillor Irene Neill in introducing the report stated that it sought to address the issue of securing sustainable high quality all age education in Hungerford going forward. As well as addressing the issue of standards and financial viability, it also sought to plan creatively for the provision of additional primary places in the town.

John O’Gaunt School had been built some 50 years ago and the buildings remained pretty much unchanged since that time. John O’Gaunt had been considered for the Building Schools for the Future scheme but had been unsuccessful. The Council then allocated capital funding to improve three schools – The Downs had been completed in the previous year and Kennet had been completed this year. Work was due to commence on John O’Gaunt in the near future. In order to provide a fully rounded education the teaching facilities were very important, especially in the technological subjects, and therefore a remodelling and modernising project could bring the school facilities up to the 21^st century.

Councillor Neill highlighted the fact that Hungerford had been affected by the national increase in numbers of children requiring places in primary phase and Hungerford Primary School had already had internal changes in order for them to be able to accommodate greater numbers. However, this would not be sufficient to cope with the numbers of children anticipated over the next few years, without taking into account children from any additional housing. It was therefore extremely likely that an additional primary school would be needed in the not too distant future. The primary school site was restricted and obtaining a satisfactory extension on the site would be difficult. In addition, Hungerford was a small market town and therefore Councillor Neill felt that a primary school with a roll of over 600 pupils would not be appropriate.

The importance of retaining secondary education in Hungerford was recognised and therefore initial discussions had taken place with senior management and the Governing Body of the school. John O’Gaunt had strong leadership and local support and the wish was to build on this so that the school could become outstanding over time. The issue of financial viability also needed to be addressed to ensure that the school could attract the best teachers. In addition, it was necessary to plan for the additional primary places needed in the town to meet demographic growth and any future new housing. One way to address this would be to look at the benefits of other 4-18 school developments elsewhere in the country. John O’Gaunt had been built for some 750 pupils but there were only 440 on the roll at present and a feasibility study was being carried out to look at how it could be remodelled to include a small primary school area i.e. a school with annual intake of 15 (half year entry), together with modern facilities for secondary school education (including 6^th form).

It had been made clear to the school that they would need to be held accountable in terms of achieving the vision outlined in the report.

If the report was approved then this would provide a real opportunity to consult and work closely with local stakeholders to shape the plans over the next couple of years and this would involve the local community – parents, other local schools and the town council.

Councillor David Allen was generally supportive of the scheme but as could be seen from section 1.2 of the report Members of Management Board had seen all the relevant information but this was not the case for Members of the Opposition. Hungerford Town Council had also not been consulted and Councillor Allen stated that it would have been useful to have had wider consultation on the proposals. He also felt that 15 primary school pupils might feel isolated in such a large school with older children. Councillor Gordon Lundie responded that a wider consultation exercise would be undertaken on the detail of the proposal and the Town Council would be a key stakeholder. Councillor Irene Neill understood Councillor Allen’s concerns in respect of the number of pupils in the primary phase. However, the initial intake of 15 children would not be placed in the middle of the older children – they would be located separately and numbers in the primary phase would increase over the following years with 75 primary pupils anticipated in 2018/19. Councillor Neill had had discussions with the Nursery and Primary Schools in the area who were all keen to work with the Council and she had therefore been reassured that the pupils at John O’Gaunt would not be isolated.

Councillor Tony Vickers asked if an “all through” school had been considered for Sandleford. Councillor Neill responded that a rapid decision had had to be made in respect of moving Hungerford forward and Sandleford would be at a much later stage but consideration would be given to all options at the relevant time.

Councillor Graham Jones felt that this was a positive report and he was supportive of the proposals. Timing was difficult as it was not possible for the Executive to come forward with a report until Members were comfortable with it but he reassured Members of the Shadow Executive that there would be more detailed consultation going forward.

Councillor Gwen Mason said that it was good to note that the foundation stage and primary pupils would be protected and slightly separate from the older children. She had concerns that Hungerford Primary School had been assessed as being outstanding through an Ofsted inspection and she asked for reassurance that standards would not be allowed to slip. Councillor Gordon Lundie confirmed that it was the Council’s intention to keep the standard high and to bring forward John O’Gaunt school educationally.

Councillor Paul Hewer was very supportive of the proposals. He was an “old boy” of John O’Gaunt School and admitted that there would be challenges ahead but the negative comments made were not helpful. The school now had an excellent Headteacher and Members had a duty to get behind the school and drive it forward.

RESOLVED that recommended proposals as set out in the report’s conclusion be agreed and that officers be instructed to initiate implementation.

Reason for the decision: To provide a long term affordable strategic plan for educational provision in the west of the District.

Other options considered: Do nothing or alternative reorganisation proposals (see second report).