Agenda, decisions and minutes

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/069

Contact: Diane Cameron, School Organisation & Planning Officer Tel: (01865) 816445

Report by Director for Children’s Services (CMDCEF4).

This is a school-led proposal from the Governing Body of Christopher Rawlins CE (VA) Primary School to increase the formal published admission number from 30 to 45, on a permanent basis starting from September 2017. This will eventually increase the school’s total capacity from its current 210 places in year groups Reception – Year 6 to a maximum of 315.

The objective of the proposal is to provide sufficient primary school places for Adderbury village and its surrounding area, enabling the Local Authority to meet its statutory duty in this regard. The school has been working closely with the council and Oxford Diocese in preparing its proposal and a feasibility report is well advanced.

In September 2015, not all in-catchment children who wanted a Reception place at the school were able to be offered one, and Cherwell District Council’s Local Plan indicates that Adderbury is considered a sustainable location for further housing growth. School Organisation and Planning officers have identified that half a form of entry additional  primary school capacity will be required in the area.

The decision on this proposal lies with the Governing Body, which has decided following a public consultation to proceed with expansion. They now seek formal support from Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Families to cement the joint working already taking place on this proposal.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to support the proposed expansion of Christopher Rawlins CE (VA) Primary School.