Subject: School Organisation

Date of meeting: 9^th October 2024

Report of: Chair of People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Contact Officer: Name: Corporate Director for Families, Children and Learning

Ward(s) affected: (All Wards);

Key Decision: No

Note: Urgency

By reason of the special circumstances below, and in accordance with section 100B(4)(b) of the 1972 Act, the Chair of the meeting has been consulted and is of the opinion that this item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

Note: Reasons for urgency

The special circumstances for non-compliance with Council Procedure Rule 3, Access to Information Procedure Rule 5 and Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), (items not considered unless the agenda is open to inspection at least five days in advance of the meeting) were that key parts of the report and its appendices required engagement with stakeholders which was not concluded until 02 October.

1. Purpose of the report and policy context

1.1 As outlined in the appendices, the Brighton and Hove School Organisation Strategy on secondary school admissions has been prepared and is going out for engagement and consultation.

1.2 This has been brought to the People Overview & Scrutiny Committee to seek the input of members at this early stage. Appendix 1 contains slides outlining the draft School Organisation Strategy; Appendix 2 has more information on engagement plans; Appendix 3 presents the 2022-23 Educational Attainment report to provide contextual information.

2. Recommendations

2.1 People Overview & Scrutiny Committee notes and comments on the Brighton and Hove School Organisation Strategy (Appendix 1).

3. Context and background information

3.1 As detailed in the appendices there are a number of challenges facing schools in Brighton and Hove.

3.2 The appendices set out options for secondary school catchment areas that are being consulted on in response to the challenges faced by schools in Brighton & Hove.

4. Analysis and consideration of alternative options

4.1 The appendices detail options for secondary school catchment areas that are being considered in the engagement and consultation work.

5. Community engagement and consultation

5.1 None specifically for this report, however the Brighton and Hove School Organisation Strategy Secondary School Admissions will be going to community engagement and consultation as detailed in the appendices.

6. Financial implications

6.1 There are no direct financial implications at this stage. More generally it is important to note that school budgets are determined in accordance with criteria set by the government and school funding regulations dictate that funding allocations are heavily dependent on pupil-led factors. This means schools with falling pupil numbers are likely to see reductions in annual budgets.

Name of finance officer consulted: Steve Williams Date consulted : 01/10/24

7. Legal implications

7.1 This report details the pre engagement exercise which is being carried out to assist with the formulation of proposals for the annual consultation on school admission arrangements required under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. That consultation will start in November 2024.

Name of lawyer consulted: Serena Kynaston Date consulted: 01/10/24

8. Equalities implications

8.1 None specifically for this report, however the appendices provide details on the strategy’s aim to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

9. Sustainability implications

9.1 None specifically for this report.

10. Health and Wellbeing Implications:

10.1 None specifically for this report.

13. Conclusion

13.1 People Overview and Scrutiny Committee are being asked to consider the Brighton and Hove School Organisation Strategy on secondary school admissions.

Supporting Documentation

1. Appendices

1. Slides outlining Brighton & Hove School Organisation Strategy Secondary School Admissions

2. Secondary School Engagement Exercise October 2024

3. Educational Attainment Report 2022/23