Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Schools Improvement

Forward Plan Ref: 2011/080

Contact: Barbara Chillman, Principal Officer – School Organisation & Planning Tel: (01865) 816459

Report by Director for Children, Education & Families (CA14).

Until recently Cutteslowe Primary School had planned to admit 30 children each year (as a 1 form entry school). Due to rising numbers of children needing primary school places in Oxford, the school worked with the county council in meeting the demand and agreed to admit more than its admission number in 2009 and 2010. The school's admission number for 2011 was published at 60, and we now need to decide whether to keep this arrangement permanently, so expanding the school to 2 forms of entry.

In recent years Oxford has experienced a significant and sustained rise in primary pupil numbers. To meet this demand, in 2008 an additional 105 primary school places across the city were agreed; in 2009 a further 245 additional primary school places were created, and in 2010 another 238 additional places were created. Looking to the future, significant additional housing is included in Oxford City Council's Core Strategy, which will, in turn, lead to increased pupil numbers across the city.

The proposal to expand Cutteslowe Primary School is one part of the County Council's strategy to meet the need for primary school places in Oxford. Several other schools across Oxford are also planned for expansion over the next few years.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the publication of a statutory notice for the expansion of Cutteslowe Primary School, Oxford.

Cabinet considered a report on a proposal to expand permanently Cutteslowe Primary School to two forms of entry.

Councillor Jean Fooks, speaking as a local member supported strongly the recommendations.

RESOLVED:             to approve the publication of a statutory notice for the expansion of Cutteslowe Primary School, Oxford.