The report seeks the recommendation to Executive for the capital expenditure at Edward Peake Middle School in Biggleswade to expand by 2 forms of entry (60 places in each school year group) by September 2020 to meet a forecast deficit of school places.

The Executive Member for Children, Education and Families delivered a report which set out proposals to expand Edward Peake Middle School in Biggleswade by two forms of entry by September 2020. The proposals would enable the Council to meet a forecast deficit of school places and safeguard educational provision against future growth in the area which would be supported under any educational structure.

In light of the report Members highlighted a need for the service to consider the size of the school if it became a primary provision, to which it was confirmed that all possibilities would be taken into account and effectively analysed before agreements on future structure were reached.

RECOMMENDED

1.    That the Committee support the new school places required in Biggleswade to meet the Councils statutory duty under The Education and Inspections Act 2006 by 2 forms of entry (60 places in each year group) for Edward Peake Church of England VC Middle School, Potton Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 0EJ, by September 2020.

2.    That the Committee support proposals to authorise the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Executive Member for Families, Education and Children to approve the commencement of capital expenditure as set out in the report, subject to the granting of planning permissions under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act.