Decision details

The governing body of Wetherby High School, working in partnership with Leeds City Council, is proposing to lower the age range of the school from 11-18 years to 11-16 years with effect from September 2022. Following an initial consultation with stakeholders, the governing body of Wetherby High School decided to progress to the 4-week representation period with the publication of a statutory notice on 22nd November 2021. Executive Board is asked to note the outcome of the statutory notice and make a final decision on the proposal.

The decision on the proposal has been classed as a “key decision” as the outcome would have a significant effect on secondary school aged students in the Wetherby area.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which described a two-part consultation on a proposal brought forward by the Governing Body of Wetherby High School, working in partnership with Leeds City Council, to lower the age range of the school from 11-18 years to 11-16 years with effect from September 2022, thereby formally closing the sixth form on a permanent basis. The report summarised the representations received during the informal and statutory notice periods and sought a final decision in respect of the proposal.

In considering the report it was confirmed that the Wetherby Ward Councillors were supportive of the proposal and had been fully consulted on such matters.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal to lower the age range of Wetherby High School from 11-18 years to 11-16 years with effect from September 2022, be approved;

(b)  That the recommendation to exempt the resolutions within this minute from the Call In process for the reasons as set out in paragraph 18 of the submitted report, be approved; and

(c)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for implementation of such matters is the Head of Learning Systems.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from the Call In process by the decision taker if it is considered that the matter is urgent and any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s, or the public’s interests. In line with this, the resolutions contained within this minute were exempted from the Call In process, as per resolution (b) above, and for the reasons as detailed within section 18 of the submitted report)

As prescribed by: Section 19(3) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006; The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013.

Parents/carers, staff and governors of Wetherby High School, prospective parents via local primary schools, head teachers of Leeds schools and sixth form providers, local North Yorkshire secondary schools and sixth form providers, community committees, local residents, local ward members, Wetherby Town Council, Dioceses, local MP, trade unions and other relevant stakeholders.