Millais is a Local Authority maintained single sex girls’ secondary school in Horsham for pupils aged 11-16. Demand for places at the school has been declining in recent years, evidenced by a reduction in the overall number of families applying for a place at the school as first preference. Reduced pupil numbers impact upon the finances available to schools and thereby on how the school can deliver opportunities for both staff and pupils.
In addition, there has been a shortage of secondary pupil places for boys in the Horsham area and consequently some boys have had to be allocated places in schools outside the District. It is the responsibility of the Local Authority to provide sufficient places for all children in the area.
To address these issues it is proposed that an initial consultation takes place to seek views on changing the status of Millais School from a single sex girls’ school to a co-educational school with the first co-educational cohort admitted from September 2026. Approval is now sought to proceed with launching the initial consultation process.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than 1 division;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Divisions affected: Horsham Riverside;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 29/02/2024
Decision due: April 2024 by Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills (Cllr Jacquie Russell)
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills (Cllr Jacquie Russell)
Contact: Graham Olway, Head of Organisation and Planning Email: graham.olway@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 23029.
Consultation process
Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills via the officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken
Consultees
School and Governing Body
Members of the public
Parents
Dioceses
Councillors
District & Borough Councils
Governing Bodies of local schools
MP
Democratic Services Contact: Wendy Saunders - Tel: 033 022 22553