To authorise the publication of statutory notices instigating formal consultation over the proposal to create an Academy at Wyebridge Sports College.

THAT 

(a)   the issue of statutory notices to enable the opening of an Academy at Wyebridge Sports College for 900 students aged 11-16 on 1 September 2008, and post-16 provision for 220 students at the start of the academic year following completion of the new building be authorised; and

(b)            a further report be made to Cabinet on 27 March 2008.

The Secretary of Sate will not give final approval to the creation of an academy until the statutory process required for the formal closure of the existing school and opening of the academy have been undertaken. The fact that the two notices are dependent on each other does make this a necessary procedural exercise.

The Local Authority could withdraw its support for the academy proposal as a whole. This would jeopardise the very real achievement that Wyebridge Sports College has made in recent years and leave the future of high school provision in the South Wye area uncertain.