ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL
COMMUNITY SERVICES: EDUCATION
THIS IS A FORMAL CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT
This paper is concerned with future education provision for non-denominational pupils residing within the delineated area of the secondary school identified in this document.
THE PROPOSAL
The relocation of Dunoon Grammar School to a new building on a new joint campus site with Dunoon Primary School, Kirn Primary School and St Mun’s Primary School
This document has been issued by the Community Services Department of Argyll and Bute Council for consultation in terms of the Education (Publication & Consultation etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 1981 and Amendment Regulations 1987, 1988 and 1989.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In September 2000, Argyll and Bute Council agreed to establish a Capital Funding Project charged with delivering a significant and sustainable improvement to the school estate through the development of a type of Public Private Partnership known as the Non Profit Distributing Organisation (NPDO) model (see appendix 1 for greater detail and explanation).
Following an indicative award of additional revenue funding from the Scottish Executive and their confirmed support, the Council agreed to pursue a PPP\NPDO project for 28 schools of which 2 were designated as rebuilds with the remaining 26 designated as refurbishments.
The Council advertised for private partners to bid for this contract and in their advert emphasised their wish for the private sector to bring forward innovative solutions where possible and appropriate.
Two compliant bids were received and after detailed and thorough evaluation by the Council team and their external advisers, the Council agreed in March 2004 that Precept should be appointed as the Provisional Preferred Bidder. The current status of Provisional Preferred Bidder reflects ongoing negotiations whereby, without reduction in the quality standard specification, the financial model can sustain the inclusion of all 28 schools (now 29 given the proposal to include Whitegates Learning Centre). Should an affordability gap remain, it is likely that the total number of schools will have to be reviewed. The reprioritisation would be based on continuing with the priorities below within a reduced budget .
Throughout the process reference was made to the following:
Scottish Ministerial Priorities which include:
• Deal with the worst problems first
• Secure value for money
• Support 21st century learning and teaching
• Meet wider community needs
• Maintain momentum and encourage innovation
The Council’s commitment to address issues arising from:
• The current quality of the school buildings in Argyll & Bute with a commitment to deal with the poorest buildings first
• A geographical approach to allow the bringing together of a number of schools to achieve, wherever possible, economies of scale 2
• Giving priority to secondary schools in order that key deficiencies could be addressed
Other key factors: