Archived decisions

PROPOSED CLOSURE OF THE SIXTH FORM AT FROGMORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1. On 23 March 2006, the Executive Member for Education authorised local consultations on the possible closure of the Sixth Form at Frogmore Community College with effect from July 2008. The request to undertake consultations had come from the governing body of the school on the grounds that "the sixth form has become neither financially nor educationally viable." The governing body further commented, "we wish to become an outstanding school and the focus on one stage of education rather than two will make this more likely".

2. Frogmore Community College is one of nine 11-18 secondary schools in Hampshire. Since 2001, the College has enjoyed a number of successes including the acquisition of Technology College status in 2003. Despite these successes and a sound academic performance, recruitment in Year 12 has been erratic over the past few years. This is in part, due to the increasing success and popularity of other post-16 providers in the vicinity, most notably Farnborough Sixth Form College which enjoys a national reputation for aspects of post-16 provision. Farnborough College of Technology has also extended the wide range of courses on offer and boasts some excellent specialist facilities for delivery.

3. The numbers recruited into Year 12 at Frogmore Community College have fluctuated from year to year from a high of 62 in 2003/04 to a low of 30 in 2005/06. Along with many Hampshire Schools, Frogmore is facing a declining school population and a predicted increase in surplus places. Closure of a school sixth form requires the publication of public notices giving a six week period for formal objections. Under the current legislative framework, if there are any objections the proposal must be submitted to the School Organisation Committee for approval. Being a local authority proposal in response to a request from the governing body of the school no further approvals are required if there are no objections. The Executive Member has noted the outcomes of the consultation and rejected the only other option, other than closure, which was for amalgamation with the sixth form at Yateley School which has been investigated in the past and has shown not to be a viable option. Therefore, the Executive Member has given approval for the publication of notices, in accordance with Section 28 of The School Standards and Framework Act 1998, for the closure of the sixth form at Frogmore Community College.

4. This decision will ensure that students living in the Frogmore area have access to high quality and sustainable post-16 provision and this supports one of the Council's Corporate priorities.