Kirklees Cabinet has carefully considered the outcomes of the consultation held in 2008. Here are the key messages taken into account:
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that you wanted to see investment in sixth form provision in Dewsbury
Our proposals examine the creation of a sixth form college based in Dewsbury. The next step in the process will be to undertake an intensive research and consultation exercise to understand the likely choices of future pupils. This is likely to happen in Autumn 2009. We have a strong ambition to provide an initial intake of 400 to 500 students with a clear expectation to grow this to over 1000
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that you were concerned about schools being too big
We have listened to your concerns, and our proposals include schools for 11 to 16 year olds of an average size of 1350 places, and no larger than 1500 places.
Schools for 11 to 16 year olds need to be a minimum size of 1200 places to be able to offer the breadth and depth of curriculum needed, be financially viable, and also represent the best value and investment of BSF money.
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that you were concerned about the support and care available to pupils in larger schools
School funding and therefore resources available are closely linked to numbers of students. One of the reasons we have chosen a size range of 1200 to 1500 is to ensure that adequate resources are available for effective support and care to be provided.
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that you were concerned about maintaining quality schooling and supporting pupils and school staff through any changes
We are developing detailed plans embracing all pupils and school staff to guide them through changes to ensure that quality schooling and support for pupils will continue in all our schools. We will continue to work closely with school staff, governors, pupils and parents to ensure that everyone is supported through any transitions and standards are maintained and improved during these times.
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how important it is that schools should bring communities together
We have sought to create planned admission areas that will enhance and support community relations.
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that there was strong support for retaining single gender provision for the Batley area
To allow full exploration of alternative ways forward in the Batley area, we will continue discussions with all parts of the community. We want to pay particular regard to issues around the balance of single gender and co-education provision with the potential to embrace separate provision for boys and girls. Following the conclusion of these discussions, proposals will be brought forward as quickly as possible for statutory consultation.
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that you were concerned about the location of schools and the impact on traffic congestion and travel for pupils
We will carry out travel impact assessments, honour proposals and seek realistic sustainable solutions for travel to schools.
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that you wanted the BSF funding to be invested wisely so that opportunities to raise attainment and standards could be maximised for all
Our proposals have been determined with this objective very much in mind. Effective investment will ensure first class facilities in sustainable and viable schools with long term security, able to provide a full and broad curriculum in a welcoming comfortable environment.
