Decision details

To approve the annual update of the School Places Plan 2016-21 that describes the latest pupil data, forecasts of pupil numbers for the next five years and a commentary on the need to add school capacity and re-alignment of the Education Capital Programme.

That the School Places Plan 2016-21 (Appendix 1 of the report) which forecasts a further 2,980 pupils will be seeking a school place by 2020/21, an 18% increase, be approved.

That the School Capacity Strategy set out in the report be approved.

That refurbishment projects at Easthampstead Park and Sandhurst schools be added to the Education Capital Programme, to be funded from Department for Education (DfE) Basic Need Grant.

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.  This plan is an essential tool in forecasting demand and has been successful in ensuring a school place continues to be available for every child in the Borough who wants one.

The Executive last approved the School Capacity Strategy in December 2014, and this has been updated to reflect the current revised requirements for new school places and the funding from the Department for Education for basic need.

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

Options for delivery of the Capacity Strategy are set out in the body of the report.  

None.