Schools on agenda (From Gazette Series)

Schools on agenda

SURPLUS school places and changing admission numbers was the focus of the panel looking at education in the Stroud area this week.

Delegates of the Stroud District Panel of the Gloucestershire Area School Review met in Wotton-under-Edge on Wednesday to look at detailed information and data about the planning area.

As one of their projects the panel chose to look at secondary education in the Stroud West area, which includes Katharine Lady Berkeley's, Vale of Berkeley and Rednock Schools alongside primary education in the Stonehouse area.

Before making any recommendations to the county council the panel will take many issues, including surplus pupils places, exam results, value-added scores, level of staff pay and the value for money that the school represents, into consideration. A report is expected to be submitted in December.

Chairman of the panel Stephen Owen said: "At the meeting the panel began to examine how many surplus places need to be removed, what pattern of schools best suits the areas and the scope for taking out capacity by changing admission numbers.

"At our next meeting in September we will consider quality of entitlement, which will include access to a broad and balanced curriculum and the strength of the school community. Finally, we will look at broader issues such as community learning, out-of-hours learning and how schools can benefit their local communities."

Delegates are keen to keep schools informed on what was happening they will be given three opportunities to submit their comments.

Geoff Black, head of planning and development at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We are fully aware that schools affected want to know what is going on, what the time scale is and how they can be involved. We want to know their views. We are talking to schools and there are three opportunities for them to have their say - one now, one on the autumn and one in the springtime We are trying to engage schools as much as possible."