Decision details

Background Information:

Kent County Council (KCC) as the Local Authority has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient school places are available. The County Council’s Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2020-24 is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out our future plans as Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision across all types and phases of education in Kent. A copy of the plan can be found using this link: http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/education-skills-and-employment-policies/education-provision.

Forecasts indicate a growing demand for Year 7 places in Gravesham from the start of the 2020-21 academic year.  The Gravesham and Longfield Selective Planning Group is forecast to have a deficit of 62 places (2FE) for the 2021-22 intake and increases again to 99 places (3.3FE) by 2023/24.

As part of the measures being taken to address the capacity issues illustrated above, KCC is proposing that Mayfield Grammar School increase their PAN to 210 for 2021.

To expand Mayfield Grammar School, KCC are proposing the removal of the old wooden block and building a new block at the school, together with other infill and enhancement work to social spaces.  This work would be completed before the September 2021 intake.  This build would enable the school to offer 210 Year 7 places for September 2021.

The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills agrees to:

i.  endorse the expansion of Mayfield Grammar School, Pelham Road, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0JE by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 180 places to 210 places for Year 7 entry in September 2021;

ii.  agree to fund the expansion from the schools basic need capital budget; and

iii. delegate authority to the corporate director to take necessary actions, including but not limited to entering into necessary contracts or taking other legal actions as required, to implement the decision.