Demand for places at single-sex boys’ schools in West Sussex has been declining in recent years and this is evidenced by a reduction in the overall number of families applying for boys schools as first preferences. Reduced pupil numbers impacts upon the finances available to schools and thereby on how the school can deliver the opportunities required to both staff and pupils.
During June 2020, the County Council consulted on changing from a single sex boys’ school to a co-educational school from September 2021 entry.
Following the outcome of the consultation, in October 2020 the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills approved the proposal to change The Forest School in Horsham from a Boys’ School to co-educational from September 2021 (decision reference ES08(20/21)). This will enable more school places to be available for girls in the Horsham area.
Following approval of a Strategic Outline Case and subsequent approval of capital funds for design fees, in accordance with the capital programme governance process, the County Council’s Multi-Disciplinary Consultant (MDC), Faithful+Gould, were appointed in November 2020 to take forward the design for an agreed first phase of works to be carried out at the school.
This report seeks approval for the allocation of funding required to undertake a first phase of works necessary to enable the school to accommodate girls from September 2021. The new facilities will provide increased opportunities for both boys and girls.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure > £500,000;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Divisions affected: Horsham East;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 01/12/2020
Decision due: March 2021 by Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Lead member: Councillor Nigel Jupp nigel.jupp@westsussex.gov.uk
Contact: Leigh Hunnikin, Project Manager Email: leigh.hunnikin@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 23051.
Consultation process
Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills via the officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.
Consultees
School
Governing Body
Cabinet Member for Finance
Democratic Services Contact: Wendy Saunders Tel: 033 022 22553
Background3: Best Start in Life