Decision - Expansion of Longhill School

To seek approval to Expand Longhill School by one form of entry from September 2010.

1.       That the permanent expansion of Longhill School by one form of entry with effect from September 2010, and the subsequent enlargement of the premises, be agreed.

2.       That the statutory notice in relation to (1) above be confirmed.

1.       It is recommended that the proposal to expand Longhill School by one form of entry is approved as Brighton & Hove are currently experiencing rising rolls across most part so the city.  The additional form of entry proposed at Longhill School will help meet this increased demand in a way that provides local places for pupils in the area where they live.

2.       The school is covered by the Councils admissions arrangements which strives to provide a truly local school which serves its most immediate community and assists in the aspirations of the Local Authority in terms of green travel arrangements.

3.       The public consultation prior to publication of the notices showed that a number of individuals were unhappy with the proposal to expand Longhill School by one form of entry as in their opinion this would make the school ‘too large’.  This point was considered at that time and on balance it was considered that this would not be the case.  This view has not changed during the publication period.  There are many examples of popular and successful secondary schools that are 9 forms of entry and larger.

4.       The school currently provide a range of extended services to the school and wider community, this proposal will enhance the facilities that the school is able to offer to the community.

5.       There were no objections or representations received during the course of the publication period.

6.       Capital available under the Targeted Capital Fund to implement the necessary changes to the school.  A scheme has been designed that will enable the school to accommodate the additional pupils and also provides enhancements to disability access, pupil safety and school catering arrangements.

The alternative option would be to leave Longhill School as an eight form entry School.  This is not considered as acceptable since it will not address the need to provide school places where they are needed within the city.