Decision details

That the School Places Plan 2015 – 2020 which forecasts a further 3,479 pupils will be seeking a school place by 2020, a 21% increase be noted.

The provision of school places remains an essential part of the Council’s organisation and planning process and enables the Council to meet its statutory duties in relation to school places.  A school place continues to be available for every child in the Borough who wants one.

On the last occasion that Department for Education grants for targeted basic needs were allocated, the Council’s 2012-based forecasts were successful in securing £7.8M of grant through the bidding process to build additional places in the future.

The Council forecasts on a ‘worst case’ basis, bringing schemes forward for implementation when short term forecasts demonstrate the need.

It is business critical to undertake pupil forecasting to ensure the Council meets its statutory obligation of sufficiency of school places.  The plan provides a mechanism to communicate these forecasts.

None