LIBERAL DEMOCRATS PROPOSE GROUND RULES FOR ACADEMY SCHOOL IN GLOUCESTER

8.00.00am GMT Thu 14th Jan 2010

Liberal Democrat councillors have proposed to set the ground rules on the county council's plan for an Academy. The full council meeting on 20th January at Shire Hall will consider a motion submitted detailing how the cabinet should proceed.

The cabinet is currently considering the closure of Bishop's College and Central Technology College. The idea is to open an Academy in Gloucester City by September this year. Plans for an Academy are not clear. Liberal Democrat councillors are proposing 6 key ground rules to guide the cabinet as they proceed with their decision.

Councillor Charmian Sheppard, Liberal Democrat education shadow cabinet member, said:

"We are proposing the council sets out a plan so that all parents involved will see clearly how they may be affected. Questions unanswered include major funding needed from Government, an agreed site to build it on and a project team involving school Heads must be set-up to make sure there are no areas of education in the city that will lose out"

The council is responding to the Government inspector Badman report which has been suggesting closing the two schools.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Liberal Democrat leader said: "The cabinet are in danger of making a quick fix decision to close two schools in a shotgun marriage. Rushing the changes and opening a new Academy by September with no clear plan for parents or children won't work. This will be seen as just the merger of two schools the Badman report says are struggling. We've proposed ground rules to get this considered in the best interests of children in the city. Parents deserve to be fully consulted on where their children will go to school. A knee jerk reaction to Badman is not on"

ENDS...

The Liberal Democrat motion reads as follows:

This Council agrees the young people of Gloucester need to reach their full potential.

The Council notes the proposal of the Badman Report to close Bishops College and Central Technology College and open an Academy in the city.

The Council calls on the Cabinet to listen to the wishes of parents, pupils and teachers of both schools, before proceeding with any closure.

In the event of the Cabinet proceeding with the establishment of an academy, this Council requests that the Cabinet

1. considers both Central and Bishop's sites as potential locations for the new academy.

2. explore all avenues of Capital Funding with the Secretary of State to ensure that the new Academy offers an environment fit for the 21st century learning experience.

3. recognises that it is impossible to adequately establish a new academy by September 2010 and that a more realistic timetable be set.

4. establishes an Academy Project Board, comprising of partners including; The Sponsors, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire College, The Urban Regeneration Company, Gloucester City Council, and Gloucester City Heads.

5. ensures the Academy will offer a truly comprehensive education that matches the needs of the young people in Gloucester, and inspires them to achieve their true potential within an academic and vocational school of excellence which is clearly presented as a new school.

6. follows advice arising from the Badman report and makes clear the council will help to coordinate school Heads in Gloucester City, to ensure there will be no future failing schools, and that by school Heads working together all children in the future will get the high quality education they deserve.

Motion to be proposed by Cllr Charmian Sheppard

To be seconded by Cllr Jeremy Hilton