Issue details

Initial Consultation Process - Burgess Hill Free School Presumption Competition

In response to significant housing development to the North of Burgess Hill, known as the Burgess Hill Northern Arc, and a large number of smaller developments in the Haywards Heath and Hassocks area, it is necessary to commission a new all through free school (for children aged 4 – 16) with additional Early Years and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities facilities over two sites as part of the Northern Arc.  Identifying a sponsor will be via a Local Authority led presumption competition process with the final decision taken by the Secretary of State for Education in 2022.

 

The first stage of the competition process is to commence an initial four-week consultation from 28 June to 26 July 2021 engaging with local education stakeholders and residents to inform the proposed specification of the school and seek views on the education offer that could be provided to the children and young people in this new community and the wider South and Central Mid Sussex area.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 division;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Divisions affected: Burgess Hill East; Burgess Hill North; Cuckfield & Lucastes; Hassocks & Burgess Hill South; Haywards Heath East; Haywards Heath Town; Hurstpierpoint & Bolney; Lindfield & High Weald;

Notice of proposed decision first published: 05/05/2021

Decision due: June 2021 by Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills (Cllr Nigel Jupp)

Lead member: Councillor Nigel Jupp nigel.jupp@westsussex.gov.uk

Contact: Vanessa Cummins, School Planning Officer Email: vanessa.cummins@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 23046.

Consultation process

Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills via the author or officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.

Consultees

Consultation in accordance with the Department for Education Academy and Free School Presumption Guidelines, with

·       Education stakeholders

·       Parents, staff and governors of local schools

·       Local councillors, MP

·       Dioceses and Multi Academy Trusts

Democratic Services Contact: Wendy Saunders Tel: 033 022 22553

Decisions

Background papers

  • None