To consider a report about the provision of a new build Wyebridge Academy.  (to follow)

[Note: To further the efficient transaction of business, the Chairman agreed to consider this Agenda Item (12), and Agenda Item 13 (Staunton on Wye Replacement Aided School Project) in between Agenda Items 6 and 7.  The remainder of the agenda was conducted in order.]

The Head of Commissioning and Improvement presented the outline business case for the existing Wyebridge Sports College to become an Academy, and he asked Cabinet to authorise other necessary steps, including the appointment of consultants to implement the project.  The creation of an Academy would involve new buildings, a post-16 education provision for 220, and a wider community use both for education and other purposes.  He outlined the procurement process, the proposed governance and admissions policies, and the financial and risk implications of the project. 

During the ensuing discussion, the following key points were made:

• Members felt that the Academy presented a rare and exciting opportunity, and they welcomed the project;
• Some concern was expressed about the size of the post-16 provision, which at 220, was considerably in excess of the 120 originally proposed by the Council.  The Head of Commissioning and Improvement said that the risk of this would be borne by the Academy rather than the Council;
• Members sought assurance about what would happen if the cost of the project exceeded the DCSF Grant of £21,939.195, particularly about who would be liable to provide the additional funding.  The Head of Commissioning and Improvement said that the Council was aware of the risk, and at this stage was satisfied with the proposed construction costs.  Should costs start to escalate, there was built-in leeway for some building specifications to be lowered without the overall scheme being undermined.  He added that a detailed planning application would be submitted before the tendering process began, to help secure the most realistic costings.  The Chief Executive added that Cabinet was being asked to decide on the business plan supported by the DCSF grant alone, and not by any Council money.  He clarified that Council funding was not a considered option for the project, and that cuts would be made if costs threatened to overrun the grant. 
• Members queried the extent of consultation on the project to date.  They were informed that there had been some public consultation, although at this early stage it was not statutory, and there would be greater merit in consulting at the design stage.
• In response to a question, the Head of Commissioning and Integration confirmed that Navigant would be asked to project manage not only the development of the Academy, but the associated risk as well.

RESOLVED:   that

(i)     the draft Outline Business Case for the creation of an Academy at Wyebridge Sports College be approved for submission to the Secretary of State, on the strict understanding that all capital costs associated with the project are met from within DCSF grant (£21,939,195) and that the Academy will be funded after the initial start up period on the same basis of other schools in the county;

(ii)   the relocation of a temporary unit on the Wyebridge site as an alternative provision for Redhill Residents Association be approved in principle, subject to a successful bid being made to the capital programme to secure the necessary funding, estimated at £80,000;

(iii)the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Council & Partnership for Schools be authorised, thereby agreeing the use of the National Academy Framework for the procurement of the construction of the buildings be approved; and

(iv)the engagement of Navigant Consultants to implement the next stage of the project and associated risk, at the cost of £107,000 be approved.