At its meeting on 14th June 2010, the Council's Executive agreed to consult on the closure of Offerton School. Consultation is now underway and the closing date is Wednesday 13th October 2010.
We would like to hear as many views as possible. To read the consultation document and frequently asked questions, please use the links on the right of this page.
How to Have Your Say
Please ensure you respond by Wednesday 13th October 2010.
The Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee 'called in' the Executive's decision to better understand the reasoning behind it.
The Committee heard information about the falling numbers of pupils attending or stating a preference for the school over several years, the worsening financial position of the school and the recent Ofsted and HMI judgements.
Councillors and officers answered a series of questions about the reasons for the proposal. Learn more about the role of the Children &Young People's Scrutiny Committee.
After hearing the information, the Children & Young People's Scrutiny Committee agreed that no further action was required by the Executive and that the consultation should proceed as approved.
This means that the formal consultation process will now begin in line with statutory requirements. The process will follow a prescribed timeline and will involve all those who have an interest in the school. This includes parents, staff, governors, pupils and a wide range of other interested parties.
Offerton School is the first secondary school closure put forward for consideration by the Executive for many years and this is due to a number of factors.
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It has the highest number of surplus places in the borough, projected to reach over 40% by 2014;
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Fewer parents are expressing a preference for the school, leading to financial and curriculum challenges;
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It has the largest backlog of building repairs of any school in the borough;
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The school has a 'Notice to Improve' from its last Ofsted inspection in 2009.
A review of the secondary schools has been brought about by falling student numbers. In 2004 there were more than 17,000 students aged 11 to 16 but by 2014 this is projected to fall to 13,000.
There are several Stockport secondary schools where the number of surplus places is well above the nationally accepted level, where the Government advises local councils take action. The Council has a duty to ensure the best use of its limited resources and it is crucial that this review of the effectiveness of current and future provision takes place.
Public consultation started on 20th July 2010. After the consultation period, the Executive will review the proposal and all responses and decide whether or not to publish a Statutory Notice to close Offerton School.
The closure would not be before July 2012 and there would need to be a phased withdrawal from the site.
If you have any questions about the proposal, please ring our hotline on 0161 474 3852.