PAPER E

Purpose : For Decision

REPORT TO CABINET

Date : 3 OCTOBER 2006

Title : ONE SCHOOL PATHFINDER

JOINT REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR EDUCATION, SKILLS AND LEARNING AND THE CABINET MEMBER FOR HEALTH, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING

IMPLEMENTATION DATE : 13 October 2006

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

1. This report proposes that the Council should submit a bid to rebuild Cowes High School in response to the Department for Education and Skills’ invitation to identify a pathfinder school under the Building Schools for the Future scheme.

BACKGROUND

2. The Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme is a 10-15 year programme by which all secondary schools in England and Wales will be modernised. The Isle of Wight is not due to come into the programme until at least 2012. For those authorities who are later in the programme, the government has set up the One-School Pathfinder programme, which seeks to address more immediate concerns.

3. A key feature of the One-School Pathfinder programme is that, unlike the main BSF programme, it is grant-funded, rather than funded under Public-Private Partnership arrangements.

4. Following a visit to meet with the Minister of State for Schools in April 2006, the lead member for Children’s Services wrote to suggest that participation in the One-School Pathfinder programme would help to raise standards on the Island. Despite initial indications to the contrary, the Isle of Wight has been offered an opportunity to join this programme, with the intention that a new school should be built within the next 3 to 4 years.

5. The Council has to submit a full detailed bid to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) - named school, roll – age range, cost calculation and details to meet all the criteria listed in the guidance documentation by the end of November 2006.

6. The Council applied unsuccessfully for funding to rebuild Cowes High School last year. This is the school which the Department for Education and Skills will expect us to nominate as the One School Pathfinder. A strong case would have to be made if it were to be any other high school or middle school.

7. The bid appraisal will question how the new school will improve standards, enhance personal learning and support coherent vocational provision.

8. Cowes High School, because of its current section 5 improvement notice and GCSE and post-16 performance, will be seen in the proposal conditions as a weak school. As well as focusing on raising standards and considering how the building’s design will facilitate better teaching and learning and ICT infrastructure to enhance them, the bid will need to consider partnership or federation with another stronger school(s).

9. The proposal must also:

· demonstrate an area approach to the delivery of high quality 14-19 entitlement;

· secure the achievement of extended status and the taking on of 8am to 6pm/10pm all year round community provision;

· show how the ICT infrastructure will enhance personalised learning, extended learning beyond the school day, staff development and community learning/access;

· confirm that the supported school will bid for specialist status. Cowes High would probably bid for a specialism in Business and Enterprise, which will fit well with the Island’s other specialist schools.

STRATEGIC CONTEXT

10. Raising educational standards is one of the Council’s key priorities, both within the Aim High Strategy and in the Children and Young People’s Plan. The quality of school accommodation is critical to the establishment of a good learning environment which, in turn, contributes to high levels of achievement.  Cowes High School has the poorest buildings among the high schools but also has relatively low achievement levels at GCSE. This project provides in ideal opportunity to enhance the school’s learning environment and hence to raise standards.

CONSULTATION

11. The Council’s Educational Asset Management arrangements assess the condition and suitability of accommodation in all the Island’s schools in an open and transparent process which involves all governing bodies and headteachers. The identification of Cowes High School as the priority school for the Pathfinder bid emerges from these Asset Management arrangements.

12. The identification of Cowes High School as the priority school for the Pathfinder bid was also discussed at meetings with headteachers and governors during July 2006.

13. During the autumn term 2006, the Commission for Children and School Results will be in undertaking a major enquiry, “Investing in the Island’s Future”, to explore the implications of a proposal from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to establish a 6^th form centre at the Isle of Wight College. This enquiry will involve extensive consultation among all stakeholders, including parents and young people. Pending the completion of this enquiry, the bid submission to rebuild Cowes will offer two alternatives: for an 11-16 school at 1350 places (270 per year group); or for a 13-18 school at 1250 places.

FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS

14. The  cost of rebuilding Cowes High School as an 11-16 school for 1350 pupils has been calculated to be in the region of £26m at current prices. The cost of a 13-18 school would be similar. The cost would be funded from a DfES grant. If the Council wanted to build additional community facilities, or to make the building environmentally sustainable, additional costs might be incurred, which would have to be funded by the Council or found from sponsorship or other grant sources.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

15. The section 5 improvement notice for Cowes High was issued under the terms of the Education Act 2005. The Children and Young People’s Plan is a statutory requirement under the Children’s Act 2004.

OPTIONS

16. The options to rebuild one of the other high schools on the Island have been considered and are evaluated fully in the background paper “Investing in the Island’s Future” which can be found on the Council’s website. Additional options, to rebuild Cowes High School as a 13-18 or as an 11-18 school are also considered in this background paper.

EVALUATION/RISK MANAGEMENT

17. The bid that will be submitted to the DfES must include a full risk appraisal. Many of the risks associated with this proposal are considered in the background paper, Investing in the Island’s Future. The principal risk is around the project management of the new building, in terms of cost overruns or time delays. The project would be managed using a full project management process, with its own board reporting to the Council’s Service Boards and to members.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Council should submit a pathfinder bid to the DfES to rebuild Cowes High School.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

Investing in the Island’s Future

DfES guidance: One School Pathfinder projects

DfES guidance: Building Schools for the Future

APPENDICES

None

Contact Point : Keith Simmonds Tel: 01983 823099 Ext 6410

email : [email protected]

COUNCILLOR PATRICK JOYCE Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Learning	COUNCILLOR DAWN COUSINS Lead Member for Children and Cabinet Member for Island Health, Housing and Community Well-Being
IAN SANDBROOK Interim Strategic Director of Children Services