Decision details

The White Rose Academies Trustees, working in partnership with Leeds City Council, are consulting on a proposal to permanently expand Leeds City Academy on its existing site from 150 places to 210 places in Year 7 from September 2023 onwards. The total number of pupils in the academy would increase year on year until the academy reached its full capacity.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report on a proposal to increase learning places at Leeds City Academy, brought forward by The White Rose Academies Trustees working in partnership with Leeds City Council. The report detailed the outcomes of the associated consultation undertaken and which sought agreement to related Authority to Spend proposals.

In considering the report, a Member highlighted and welcomed the popularity of the school, which had led to the submitted proposals of expansion.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the outcome of the consultation undertaken on the proposal to permanently expand Leeds City Academy from a capacity of 750 to 1050 students by increasing the admission number in year 7 from 150 to 210 with effect from September 2023, be noted; and that it also be noted that The White Rose Academies Trust Board, as the decision maker, have considered the outcome of that consultation and approved the proposal to expand Leeds City Academy;

(b)  That approval for authority to spend (ATS) up to £8.9m to deliver the proposed permanent expansion at Leeds City Academy, be granted, with final approval of expenditure being confirmed by the Director of Children and Families (in consultation with the Director of Resources and Director of City Development) following receipt of further detailed design work and planning applications;

(c)  That it be noted that The White Rose Academies Trust intends to self-deliver the build scheme and that the proposal has been brought forward in time for places to be delivered for 2023.

The changes that are proposed form prescribed alterations under Department for Education advice for academy trusts, Making Significant Changes to an Open Academy (November 2019). Consultation has been carried out by the Trust in line with good practice which will be included in the report for information.

Parents/carers, staff and governors of Leeds City Academy, prospective parents via local primary schools, head teachers of Leeds secondary schools, community committees, local residents, local ward members, Dioceses, local MPs and other relevant stakeholders.