MATTERS TO BE SPECIFIED IN SECTION 15 PROPOSALS TO DISCONTINUE A SCHOOL
Extract of Schedule 4 to The School Organisation (Establishment and Discontinuance of Schools)(England) Regulations 2007 (as amended):
Contact details 1. The name of the LA or governing body publishing the proposals, and a contact address, and the name of the school it is proposed that should be discontinued.
St George’s RC High School, Parsonage Drive, Worsley, Manchester M28 3SH, Voluntary aided 11-16 high school.
Implementation 2. The date when it is planned that the proposals will be implemented, or, where the proposals are to be implemented in stages, information about each stage and the date on which each stage is planned to be implemented.
The planned date of implementation is 31 August 2014
Consultation 3. A statement to the effect that all applicable statutory requirements to consult in relation to the proposals were complied with.
All the necessary statutory consultation requirements relating to the proposal have been complied with requirements.
4. Evidence of the consultation before the proposals were published including: a) a list of persons and/or parties who were consulted; b) minutes of all public consultation meetings; c) the views of the persons consulted;and d) copies of all consultation documents and a statement of how these were made available.
a). List of consultees
• Parents/carers of pupils attending St George’s Roman Catholic High school and associated primary schools. • Staff at St George’s Roman Catholic High School and their trade union representatives. • The Governing Body at St George’s Roman Catholic High School. • The Student Council at St George’s Roman Catholic High School. • The Roman Catholic Diocesan Boards.
b). Please see at appendix 1 minutes from:
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• Governing Body consultation meeting at St George’s Roman Catholic High School. c). Parents expressed concerns at the loss of a local high school but were generally satisfied that the alternative provision met the needs of the pupils.
d). Please see appendix 2 - Copies of all consultation letters.
Objectives 5. The objectives of the proposal.
This is a linked proposal in which the current St Ambrose Barlow High School is being enlarged to accommodate an additional 300 pupils and to transfer St George’s pupils wanting a place into the newly enlarged St Ambrose Barlow school. St George’s school will close in August 2014.
Standards and Diversity 6. A statement and supporting evidence indicating how the proposals will impact on the standards, diversity and quality of education in the area.
Pupils of St George’s will have access to enhanced facilities at the new school which is currently judged to be outstanding by OFSTED. St Ambrose Barlow is currently a National School for Creativity and also a National Support School and has full access for the disabled. It is expected that the pupils will have more opportunities to achieve their full potential raising standards.
The current curriculum choice being offered at St George’s is being increased and there is an additional sixth form provision available on site. Diversity is maintained as the current St George’s school population is being transferred without selection. St Ambrose Barlow high school was awarded the status of being an Inclusion Quality Mark Flagship School.
Provision for 16-19 year olds 7. Where the school proposed to be discontinued provides sixth form education, how the proposals will impact on: a) the educational or training achievements; b) participation in education or training; and c) the range of educational or training opportunities, for 16-19 year olds in the area.
N/A Need for places 8. A statement and supporting evidence about the need for places in the area including whether there is sufficient capacity to accommodate displaced pupils.
The proposed enlargement of St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School by
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300 places will provide alternative provision in the area. In addition places can be sought at the adjacent Harrop Fold (Community) and Walkden (Community) High Schools. Demographic projections indicate that there will be sufficient places available across these schools to accommodate the pupils displaced from St George’s Roman Catholic High School.
9. Where the school has a religious character, a statement about the impact of the proposed closure on the balance of denominational provision in the area and the impact on parental choice.
Currently the city has four Roman Catholic High Schools. Following these proposals the number of Roman Catholic High Schools will be reduced to three. All displaced pupils who currently attend St George’s R.C. High school can be accommodated at an extended St Ambrose Barlow RC High School. The planning that has taken place for future Roman Catholic provision across the city will mean that there will continue to be a place for every Roman Catholic pupil who wants one, a view supported by the Salford Roman Catholic Diocese.
Current School Information 10. Information as to the numbers, age range, sex and special educational needs of pupils (distinguishing between boarding and day pupils) for whom provision is made at the school.
St George’s Roman Catholic High School has 416 day pupils, consisting of males and females between the ages of 11-16 years. There are 7 pupils with SEN statements, 41 school action and 27 school action plus.
Displaced Pupils 11. Details of the schools or FE colleges which pupils at the school for whom provision is to be discontinued will be offered places, including: a) any interim arrangements; b) where the school included provision that is recognised by the LA as reserved for children with special educational needs, the alternative provision to be made for pupils in the school’s reserved provision; and c) in the case of special schools, alternative provision made by LAs other than the authority which maintains the school.
a) It is proposed that from September 2014, pupils currently attending St George’s Roman Catholic High School, will be provided for mainly in the rebuilt, enlarged St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School. Admission may also be sought at other local schools that have places available.
(b). In line with the underpinning principle of Salford’s BSF programme, the rebuilt and enlarged St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School will fully meet the Special Educational Needs Improvement Test, by the provision of fully accessible buildings, curriculum and other provision that is inclusive, thereby improving the standard, quality and range of educational provision for all pupils, including those with special educational needs.
(c). Not applicable
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12. Details of any other measures proposed to be taken to increase the number of school or FE college places available in consequence of the proposed discontinuance.
Other than the additional 300 places at St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School the City Council has no plans to increase the number of school places as a consequence of the discontinuance of St George’s Roman Catholic High School.
Impact on the Community 13. A statement and supporting evidence about the impact on the community and any measures proposed to mitigate any adverse impact.
The closure of St George’s Roman Catholic High School will remove a local school, however the community school adjacent to St George’s Roman Catholic High School (Harrop Fold) was rebuilt in 2008 and provides the community access to state of the art facilities. Moreover Walkden High School relocated to a new building in 2011 offering a further local fully extended school with full community access. Similar high quality community facilities will be designed into the enlarged St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School.
14. Details of extended services the school offered and what it is proposed for these services once the school has discontinued.
St George’s Roman Catholic High School is within the Little Hulton and Walkden Extended Schools Cluster which is currently delivering the full core-offer of Extended School Services, this cluster area also includes the newly built Harrop Fold School. It is proposed that, should St George’s Roman Catholic High School close the Extended School Services will be maintained within the cluster area for the benefit of children living in area. The location of the extended St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School is within the Swinton Extended School Cluster area which is delivering the full core-offer of Extended School. The newly built St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School will provide additional capacity to further enhance the fully extended service for children, families and communities associated with the school.
Travel 15. Details of the length and journeys to alternative provision.
• Proposed site for rebuilt, enlarged St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School (former Wardley High School site) - 2.4 miles from St George’s Roman Catholic High School, on foot. • Harrop Fold School – 0.8 miles from St George’s Roman Catholic High School, on foot. • Walkden High School – 1.3 miles from St George’s Roman Catholic High School, on foot.
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16. The proposed arrangements for travel of displaced pupils to other schools including how they will help to work against increased car use.
There are existing bus routes for pupils to attend the rebuilt, enlarged St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School on the former Wardley High School site and the possibility of additional, dedicated school bus services is also being investigated. St Ambrose Barlow RC High School also have a dedicated travel plan, the aims of which are to:
• To reduce the numbers of cars used for the school journey
• To promote sustainable travel options
• To improve road safety and cut down congestion
• To improve the health of our students
• To promote road safety education and make school journeys safer
• Reduce potential accidents, particularly in car ‘drop off’ areas and ‘hotspots’ around the school
• To ensure pupils are aware of the best travel cost options available to them
Action priorities within the travel plan include:
• Encourage group walking – younger pupils/older mentors • Encourage parents to car share • Promote IGO passes within school • Encourage staff to car share • Continue to promote health and safety issues when travelling to school.
Related Proposals 17. A statement as to whether in the opinion of the LA or governing body, the proposals are related to any other proposals which may have been, are, or are about to be published.
It is the opinion of the governing Body at St Georges RC High School that the proposed closure of St George’s RC High School is related to the proposal for the enlargement of St Ambrose Barlow RC High School.
Rural Primary Schools 18. Where proposals relate to a rural primary school designated as such by an order made for the purposes of section 15, a statement that the LA or ghe governing body (as the case may be) considered:
5 a) the likely effect of discontinuance of the school on the local community; b) the availability, and likely cost to the LA, of transport to other schools; c) any increase in the use of motor vehicles which is likely to result from the discontinuance of the school, and the likely effects of any such increase; and d) any alternatives to the discontinuance of the school, as required by section 15(4)
N/A
Maintained nursery schools 19. Where proposals relate to the discontinuance of a maintained nursery school, a statement setting out: a) the consideration that has been given to developing the school into a children’s centre and the grounds for not doing so; b) the LA’s assessment of the quality and quantity of alternative provision compared to the school proposed to be discontinued and the proposed arrangements to ensure the expertise and specialism continues to be available; and c) the accessability and convenience of replacement provision for local parents.
N/A Special educational provision 20. Where existing provision that is recognised by the LA as reserved for pupils with special educational needs is being discontinued, a statement as to how the LA or the governing body believes the proposal is likely to lead to improvements in the standard, quality and/or range of the educational provision for these children.
The existing provision for pupils with special educational needs will transfer to St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School, and it will fully meet the Special Education Needs Test. Core to the city council’s BSF programme is improved access in terms of curriculum, educational provision and accessible services for all children and young people by design. This represents significant improvement in the current provision. The curricula developments associated with the transformational ambitions of Salford’s BSF are intended to be fully inclusive, addressing the needs of students with a variety of preferred learning styles and needs. All BSF schools will be extended and the services provided on site will not only support all children’s learning needs, but also their pastoral and personal development and health. Both St George’s and St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High Schools have access to external support from specialist SEN teams as required e.g. hearing and visual impaired services. The bringing together of two schools into one will make more efficient use of external support and facilities will provide personalised digital technology that will provide better learning outcomes for individuals across the whole spectrum of need. By design the newly built St Ambrose Barlow RC High School is fully accessible to all, in every respect. The proposal will offer fully accessible provision.
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Minutes of Extra Ordinary Meeting of Full Governors Monday 7 January 2013
Present: Mr Walker, Mr Harte, Mr Fisher, Mrs Judge, Miss Shannon, Mr Robinson, Fr Buckley, Mr Dermody, Mrs Hawes, Mr Ramage, Mr Concah, Mrs Bowler, Mr Timperley, Miss Hackey, Mr Ryan, Mrs Gee, Mrs Egan, Mrs Tucker, Mrs Shearer.
Apologies: None.
Fr Michael opened the meeting with a prayer.
Welcome
Mr Walker welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave a presentation of the Mission Statement of the Salford Diocese. The purpose of the meeting is to consider new and recent proposals regarding the alignment of St George’s with St Ambrose Barlow High School.
Mr Walker reminded everyone that what will be discussed this evening is totally confidential. Mr Walker asked the Governors if they agreed for staff governors who have pecuniary interest to vote and also staff who are observers to attend the meeting. Everyone was in agreement with this.
Mr Walker explained that the BSF Committee had met before Christmas to discuss the documentation and had a very lengthy meeting and it was felt that there was no other alternative, our pupils deserve a 21st century education in a 21st century building. If we were to remain open it would only be for a short time – the LA and the Diocese have said it would not be viable for us to remain open.
Mr Harte was asked if our pupils would be ok – yes they would not be disadvantaged and they would have equality of education. He feels that St George’s could have a future, but it could be an enormous gamble in years to come unless there is a significant amount of money allocated.
The rules of TUPE do not apply, but other Headteachers have stated that they would give our staff the highest consideration when making future appointments.
Mr Harte was asked where the funding would come from for VER and VR. Normally this would come out of the school budget, but other schools who had previously been under closure the LA had erased the debt. Clarity is required on this point and we will have up to date information shortly.
To oversee the transition a committee will be formed comprising of :
2 Headteachers (St George’s & St Ambrose Barlow) 2 Governors from St George’s 2 Governors from St Ambrose Barlow 1 representative from the LA 1 representative from the Diocese 1 Independent representative
This committee will make the decisions regarding the alignment.
Mr Walker explained that he feels the decision is now coming from the Bishop. There were also concerns regarding the sudden urgency. Mr Walker explained that a decision has to be taken this evening as the Mayoral Team is meeting on 8 January to agree funding arrangements, if this is delayed the Ambrose Barlow extension may not be built in the time period.
For the school to close in 2014, the statutory notice has to be given by 9 January 2013.
Everyone was then given the opportunity to express their views and concerns.
A very lengthy discussion then took place – Governors asked could the school achieve the status of “Good” or “Outstanding” again? Mr Harte felt that is was possible but the longer the situation goes on, it is more difficult for us to recruit staff and pupils.
The LA have given their commitment that they will support the school with the closure, giving any assistance where needed.
After much deliberation the Governing Body of St George’s RC High School finally agreed the following statement:-
“The Governors agree to the closure of St George’s RC High School and support a process enabling all current pupils at St George’s to be offered a place at St Ambrose Barlow High School and this process should be completed by September 2014.
The Governors also agree that the £1.49 million BSF monies allocated to St George’s to be used to enlarge St Ambrose Barlow for the benefit of St George’s pupils”.
The Governors agreed that Mr Walker and Mrs Hawes would be the Governor representatives from St George’s.
Mr Walker thanked everyone for attending this evening.
ST GEORGE’S RC HIGH SCHOOL A Specialist Technology College Parsonage Drive, Worsley, Manchester M28 3SH Telephone: 0161 921 1760 Facsimile: 0161 921 1790 E-mail: [email protected] www.st-georgeshigh.salford.sch.uk
Ref: GW/PJH/AM 11 January 2013
Dear Parents
There comes a time in many people’s lives when an occasion arises which requires a difficult decision to be taken in order to take advantage of that window of opportunity. The Governors of St. George’s were in that position in the last few days of last term. They met on Monday 7 January to discuss at length and eventually take a very difficult and important decision.
The Governors took the decision to agree to allow the monies allocated to St. George’s to be spent, along with additional monies, to build an extension to the new St. Ambrose Barlow High School that will eventually accommodate all of St. George’s pupils. It is expected that some of our pupils will be offered a place in the new St. Ambrose Barlow High School as early as this September. It is expected that by July 2014 the new buildings will be completed at St. Ambrose Barlow in Wardley and all the remaining pupils will be offered a place at the school. St. George’s will therefore close in August 2014.
The current financial climate has led to a reduction of funds available through the BSF initiative; raising money through other means is extremely difficult. The situation presented to the Governors was that some limited money was available now to be spent on this project but if we did not take advantage of this opportunity then the funds would no longer be available. There are not sufficient funds for a rebuild of St. George’s or a satisfactory refurbishment. The Governors can see other pupils in Salford having the opportunity of being taught in first class, state of the art facilities, which are not being made available to our pupils. Our campaign was always to get the best possible educational opportunities for our pupils and we believe that we could deliver that at St. George’s provided we were resourced satisfactorily. In the absence of the investment required to achieve this, the opportunity of being part of an outstanding school which will have the best facilities possible is an offer we reluctantly felt we could not refuse because the alternative was to put at risk the education of our pupils which is our priority.
In the near future more details will be made available and we will keep you informed of all developments. Once the legal processes have been put into place there will be a consultation period where your views will be heard. There will be a press release shortly but this letter is to inform you as soon as was practicable.
Headteacher Mr PJ Harte MA NPQH g:\letters\closure of st george's.doc e-mail: [email protected] Pupils have been invited to assemblies today to have the situation explained to them. I am in no doubt that they will require extra help and support as they will worry about their future. In school, the staff are surprised at the very sudden turn of events but are equally determined to work even harder to ensure that we continue to offer the best education that we can to all our pupils.
There is excitement at the new prospects available but for some these are difficult and uncertain times so I ask you to remember us in your prayers.
Yours faithfully
G Walker Chair of Governors
Headteacher Mr PJ Harte MA NPQH g:\letters\closure of st george's.doc e-mail: [email protected]
Ref: PJH/AM 30 January 2013
Dear Parents
As you are aware the Governors of St George’s took the decision to close St George’s in July 2014. St Ambrose Barlow have offered a place for every St George’s pupil at the new school. In the first instance the current Year 9 pupils will start at the new building this September; this is to ensure continuity with their GCSE work which begins in earnest in Year 10.
Staff from St Ambrose Barlow and St George’s are working together to produce an Option Brochure which will have information about the Options on offer. There is an Options Evening for parents and pupils on Thursday 21 February where more details will be given.
I am sure that sometime in the summer term there will be more information about the move to St Ambrose Barlow and an opportunity to visit the new building. Our staff are working very hard to ensure a smooth transition.
Of course not every parent will want to transfer their son or daughter to St Ambrose Barlow and may prefer to move to another school. In order to plan more effectively for next September we are trying to have an indication of your intentions with regards whether or not you intend to take up the place at St Ambrose Barlow.
It would be grateful therefore if you could complete the enclosed information slip and return it to school as soon as possible.
Yours faithfully
P J Harte Headteacher
g:\letters\yr 9 transfer to st ambrose barlow.doc
Please sign one of the following statements and return the reply slip to St George’s.
Either
I intend for my son or daughter to transfer to St Ambrose Barlow in September 2103 and agree to allow school records etc to be transferred.
Name and Form of Pupil:......
Signed:...... Parent/Guardian
Or
I do not wish my son or daughter to be transferred to St Ambrose Barlow and will be seeking an alternative school.
Name and Form of Pupil:......
Signed...... Parent/Guardian
Or
I am awaiting further information before I make a decision.
Name and Form of pupil......
Signed...... Parent/Guardian
g:\letters\yr 9 transfer to st ambrose barlow.doc
Ref: PJH/AM
4 March 2013
Proposed Closure of St George’s RC High School in 2014 and the transfer of pupils to St Ambrose Barlow RC High School
Dear Parent/Carer
As the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme is coming to an end, the Governors of St George’s had a difficult decision to make with regards to the future of the school. St George’s buildings require considerable investment to deliver a high class educational programme for the future. The current economic climate has drastically reduced the spending available for new school buildings and refurbishments. The Local Authority (LA) in conjunction with Salford Diocese have committed considerable funds to rebuild all the other schools in Salford but they are unable to find the necessary resources to enable the same level of enhancement to the St George’s buildings to improve its facilities to make them comparable with the other schools in Salford.
In anticipation of these difficulties alternative proposals have been investigated to ensure that the pupils of St George’s RC High School continue to have a first class educational provision including access to enhanced facilities. In discussion between the Governors of St Ambrose Barlow and the Governors of St George’s there was the possibility of creating an extension to the new St Ambrose Barlow school building creating an additional 300 school places. It is proposed that by September 2014 St George’s will close and all the existing pupils of St George’s will be offered a place at the new St Ambrose Barlow RC High School.
The Governors of both schools want to seek your views on these new proposals which are:
• To close St George’s RC High School by 31 August 2014. The closure proposal is linked to the proposal to enlarge St Ambrose Barlow RC High School to create 300 additional places. This expansion will be completed by 1 September 2014. • To offer all existing St George's pupils a place at the new St Ambrose Barlow High School, once the expansion is complete. • To transfer the current Year 9 pupils at St George’s to the new St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in September 2013. • To transfer the remaining St George’s pupils in September 2014.
g:\letters\joint consultation letter.doc • The current Year 10 St George’s pupils will complete their studies on the St George’s site. • There will be no year 7 curriculum offered at St George’s in September 2013. Pupils who have applied for a place at St George’s will be able to apply for a place at St Ambrose Barlow, up to 60 places are available, subject to St Ambrose Barlow’s admission criteria.
Within the table below, we have provided details of the timetable that needs to be followed to carry out the legal processes for the proposed closure of St George’s and the expansion of St Ambrose Barlow RC High Schools.
Action Date(s) Informal consultation period 4 March to 22 March 2013
Formal consultation period starts (legal notice published) 28 March 2013
Comments and views to be submitted to the governing 28 March 2013 to 8 May body (during the formal consultation period) 2013
The decision is made by the LA on the linked closure 14 May 2013 and enlargement proposals
Works commence to enlarge the new St Ambrose September 2013 Barlow RC High School (on the Wardley site)
St George’s RC High School closes 31 August 2014
St Ambrose Barlow RC High School Enlargement 1 September 2014 Completed
Further information regarding these proposals can be obtained from the St George’s website www.st-georgeshigh.salford.sch.uk
If you would like to comment on these proposals in writing please either write a letter to the address above or an e-mail can be sent to the following e-mail address [email protected] [email protected]
The Governors will receive all views in this informal consultation period which will run from 4 March to 22 March. The Governors are keen to hear your views and look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Grahame Walker Philip Royle Chair of Governors of St George’s Chair of Governors St Ambrose Barlow
g:\letters\joint consultation letter.doc
ST GEORGE’S RC HIGH SCHOOL A Specialist Technology College Parsonage Drive, Worsley Manchester M28 3SH Telephone: 0161 921 1760 Facsimile: 0161 921 1790 E-mail: [email protected] www.st-georgeshigh.salford.sch.uk
Ref: PJH/AM
5 March 2013
Dear Parents
You should have received a letter from school explaining the School Governor’s intention to close St George’s RC High School in July 2014. That letter is part of the consultation process that is required to enable the process to be completed.
As a parent of a pupil in Year 7 or Year 8 I am writing this letter separately to ask you if you agree to allow your son or daughter to transfer to the new St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in September 2014. Existing pupils at St George’s are of course automatically guaranteed a place at the new St Ambrose Barlow RC High School.
In indicating that you wish to take up this offer will enable both schools to make suitable preparations in readiness for the eventual transfer. The staff of both schools have already started to plan for this transfer of pupils and an indication of the numbers wanting to transfer will help us plan more effectively. I am sure that in time more details will become available and there will be an opportunity to visit the new building once it has been opened but an indicative estimate of the number of pupils transferring is important to us.
It is important therefore that you complete the reply slip attached and return it to St George’s school by Wednesday 20 March. An electronic version of this letter can be found on our website and can be completed on line. The address is www.st-georgeshigh.salford.sch.uk
Yours faithfully
P J Harte Headteacher
Headteacher Mr PJ Harte MA NPQH g:\letters\sab yr 7 & yr 8 transfer.do e-mail: [email protected]
Please complete the slip below and return it to the school by March 20th
I would like my son/ daughter (insert name)...... Form...... to be considered for at place at St Ambrose Barlow High RC High School.
Signed......
Or
I do not want my son/daughter (insert name)...... Form...... to be considered for at place at St Ambrose Barlow High School.
Signed......
Headteacher Mr PJ Harte MA NPQH g:\letters\sab yr 7 & yr 8 transfer.do e-mail: [email protected]