Issue - meetings

To provide a summary of the detailed informal consultation undertaken on the initial options appraisals for the re-organisation of secondary provision in Macclesfield, and to seek approval to proceed to formal consultation.

There were four secondary schools in Macclesfield, each providing education for pupils aged 11 to 18.  These were –

o                               Macclesfield High

o                               Fallibroome High

o                               All Hallows Catholic College

o                               Tythertington High

There had been a steady decline in the number of pupils attending high schools in Macclesfield town.  Projections showed that the number of surplus school places in Macclesfield was expected to rise significantly in the coming years, with the highest proportion of surplus places forecast being at Macclesfield High School. This was expected to reach 35% by 2016.  Numbers in the remaining three high schools had continued to be sustained.  There was a need, therefore, to review the secondary education provision in Macclesfield. 

The Cabinet Member considered that, in addition to the options presented in the report, there were other options which required detailed examination before a decision was reached.  These options should be the subject of informal consultation with interested parties, with a view to a range of options being presented to a further meeting in November 2010.

RESOLVED

That

(1)            the decision on a formal consultation be deferred but that informal consultations be undertaken up to Friday, 8^th October 2010;

(2)            all other options be explored in greater depth;

(3)            the advice of the Cheshire East Admissions Forum be sought on the admission arrangements in Macclesfield;

(4)            further discussions take place with the MP, Mr David Rutley, in the light of new information from the Government;

(5)            any other suggestions from the public be examined; and

(6)            these proposals lead to a statutory period of consultation on revised options for consideration at the beginning of November 2010.