To seek approval for the release of land (subject to planning) for the new Pix Brook Academy Free School and for the Council to manage the delivery of the build on behalf of the DfE.

The Executive Member for Education outlined the rationale and need for the proposed new free school and confirmed that once the site had been agreed, admissions numbers would be included for new applications to the school.

In light of the report members discussed the following in summary:-

·           That the use of cycle ways be supported in order to minimise the need for school transport and encourage sustainable travel to school.

·           Concerns at the lack of 6^th form provision with a need to understand what would attract 6^th form students into the region.

·           That any overspend on the project would be funded by the Department for Education and not the local authority.

RECOMMENDED:-

1.     That the Committee support the release of land (subject to planning) for the new free school and for the Council to deliver the new free school on behalf of the DfE.

2.     That the Committee support the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services to enter into all appropriate legal documentation to implement the scheme including the building contract and ancillary documents, funding agreement, development agreement, Academy lease and all contracts required to secure delivery and operation of the new school.