The Governing Bodies of St James' Church of England Voluntary Aided Infant School and St James' Church of England Junior School wish to consolidate their already close links with an amalgamation into one school. The schools have well established existing ties and share the same site, with the schools only 4 metres apart at the closest point. The schools share kitchen facilities and benefit from various cross-schools staff arrangements, including sharing the same Executive Headteacher.
The Governing Bodies of both schools have met with officers of Kent County Council (KCC) and agreed that amalgamation of the two schools to create an all-though primary school would be the natural progression for the schools, which will secure benefits for staff and pupils.
The proposal would amalgamate the two schools in order to create one all-through 630 place primary school for children aged 4 to 11 years from 1 September 2019. The process of amalgamation will entail changing the age range of the Infant school to be a primary school and the closure of the Junior school. The all-through school will be in the existing accommodation of both schools.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: Tunbridge Wells South;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 05/02/2019
Decision due: Not before 14th May 2019 by Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements and to allow for Cabinet Committee consideration.
Lead member: Deputy Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education
Lead director: Keith Abbott
Department: Education & Young People's Services
Contact: David Adams, Assistant Director Education (South Kent) 03000 414989 Email: david.adams@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01233 898559.
Consultees
The decision was considered at the Children’s, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee on 7 May 2019.
Financial implications: There are no capital financial implications as this proposal
Legal implications: Any legal implications will be identified in the report to the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education before he takes his decision to agree the capital expenditure required to provide the school with additional accommodation.
Equalities implications: An Equality Impact Assessment will be produced and will be accessible on line via the following link: www.kent.gov.uk/schoolconsultations.