Contact: Chris Holt, Telephone: 01962 045673, E-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That in meeting the County Council's requirement to promote choice and diversity within the context of school organisation, the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education) will be inclined to support the case for the establishment of an academy where the following questions can be answered positively:

· Will the proposal raise standards for all children and young people rather than just maintain them?

· Will the proposal improve the well-being of ALL children and young people in the community served?

· Will the proposal improve community cohesion and collaboration without any loss of existing quality?

· Will the proposal improve the school's potential to meet the objectives of the Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP)?

· Will the proposal improve the potential to meet the objectives of the 14-19 strategy?

2 Reason

2.1 The 2006 Education and Inspections Act requires Hampshire County Council to promote choice and diversity in the context of school organisation. However, the County Council needs a policy to guide its work in determining whether or not Academy status should be supported because it also has a responsibility to promote high standards of education and the well-being of all children and young people.

2.2 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priority:

"Maximising well-being" by ensuring that Hampshire secondary schools capitalise on all opportunities to develop learners' understanding and appreciation of their role in society and their capacity to contribute.

2.3 The decision supports the following aim of the Children Act:

"Enjoying and achieving" by allowing students to fulfil their potential through good academic progress and personal development.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 No other options were considered. To do nothing is not an option because this is a response to legislative change.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

5.1 None.

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education)