Issue - meetings

            – Report by Ms Rosalind Turner, Managing Director: Children, Families and Education

(1)       This report sought the views of the Advisory Board on the proposal to undertake a public consultation on the closure of Archers Court Maths and Computing College, Dover in order that it may be replaced with a government funded Academy.

(2)       Mr Doole said that the establishment of an Academy would provide a radical solution to the school’s existing problems and enable it to maximise flexibility in organising and tailoring its curriculum according to local needs and circumstances.  An Academy would also deliver a substantial new build, providing first class learning facilities for all students and was an option which was strongly supported by the existing leadership and governing body of the school.  The Academy would be sponsored by Canterbury Christ Church University, as lead sponsor, with Kent County Council together with Dover Grammar School for Boys and Dover Grammar School for Girls as co-sponsors.  Collectively the sponsors and partners would therefore be able to draw on extensive skills and expertise in the fields of education, research, business and organisational leadership.  Under the proposals the Academy would open in September 2010 in the existing buildings with a target occupation of new buildings being September 2013.  The Academy would be focused on the five ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes for children and young people within the context of the Children’s Trust arrangements in Kent.

(3)       During the course of discussion Members of the Advisory Board raised a number of questions of detail to which Mr Doole responded accordingly.  Following discussion the Advisory Board agreed to support the undertaking of a public consultation on a proposal to close Archers Court Maths and Computing College to be replaced with a government funded Academy.