Decision details

Background:

Kent County Council’s Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2019-23 is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out the future plans as Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision across all types and phases of education in Kent.  A copy of the plan can be viewed from this link: http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/education-skills-and-employment-policies/education-provision

KCC forecasts indicate a growing demand for Year 7 places in Gravesham from the start of the 2019-20 academic year.  The Gravesend and Longfield Selective Planning Group is forecast to have a deficit of 36 Year 7 places (1FE) from 2019-20 that increases to a deficit of 62 places (2FE) for the 2021-22 intake and increases again to 99 places (3.3FE) by 2023/24.

Gravesend Grammar School has a Published Admission Number of 174, but has in the past, offered extra places through appeals.

KCC proposed an expansion of the school to take the PAN to 210 (7FE).  The school currently has a permanent infrastructure that can accommodate a PAN of 150.  There is a temporary two storey block on site that offers additional accommodation, facilitating the extra 24 places.  To expand Gravesend Grammar School, KCC are proposing the removal of the temporary 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 expand Gravesend Grammar School, Church Walk, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2PR increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 174 places to 210 places from September 2021.