THE consultation on rationalising secondary school places in the district of Gedling begins on January 2.
We look forward to the opportunity to meet with governors, parents, staff, students and other members of the community to discuss the range of options.
Notts County Council is undertaking a review of the school places we have for two reasons.
Firstly, we have a significant number of spare places in the area and, secondly, two of the schools, Wheldon and Gedling, are currently under-performing.
There has been some misunderstanding about the extent of the spare places available at Gedling School, because many parents believe that we have over-stated the capacity of the school.
The difficulty has arisen because on the county's internet site the number given for "the estimated number of full-time pupils" is 731.
This is a figure, agreed with the school, to give a guide to parents on the likely size of the school in the forthcoming academic year.
This number is not about the capacity of the school but the likely take-up of places.
The capacity of Gedling School is 937.
This figure, based upon an assessment undertaken in February 2010, takes into account the changes of use the school has made to its buildings in recent years.
Overall, the county is faced with just over 700 spare school places currently in the district, rising to over 900 in 2015/16.
The council has a legal duty to review the number of places available in local schools to try to get a sensible match between places and pupils.
Obviously, it is better for there to be more places than pupils – otherwise there would be no choice for parents. On the other hand, empty desks and half-empty rooms are a real expense to any school.
Both Gedling and Wheldon schools are affected by this problem but it is a particular concern for Gedling School which will have, on current trends, 390 spare places in 2012/13, rising to over 400 in 2015/16.
The second issue for the council to tackle is the current under-performance of two schools, Wheldon and Gedling, which are both in adverse Ofsted categories.
Wheldon School is designated as requiring special measures and Gedling has been issued with a notice to improve.
Both schools need to make significant improvement to give their students a good chance to fulfil their potential.
The council welcomes the decision of the governors of Wheldon School to seek to acquire academy status, working in close partnership with Redhill Academy, which Ofsted has judged to be outstanding.
For several years now the council has sought to match up schools facing difficult challenges with higher-performing schools so they can share leadership, staffing and know-how, and this could be an option for Gedling School.
A decision has been taken to consult on the options outlined in the cabinet report and any other which emerge during the consultation – not on what the outcome of consultation should be.
However, as the portfolio holder for children and young people's services, I have a duty to do all I can to make sure that the life chances of all our young people are improved as far as possible, wisely using the resources available to achieve this aim.
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