Cumbria County Council's Cabinet is to consider a further option for an Academy for Barrow when it meets next Monday (1st September.)
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has indicated that, whilst its position is unchanged on having only one Academy for Barrow, it would now be prepared to support and fund a revised model which involves two sites for that Academy, at Parkview and Thorncliffe schools.
This would mean two campuses, including new buildings, comprising six hundred places each, with each potentially offering one of the Academy's two 'specialisms,' maths and sport.
The revised model is seen to offer more flexibility for further development in the future and a greater choice for parents.
It would also help to address local concerns about school size.
With the DCSF now saying they would be willing to support and fund this revised model, a further extensive public consultation is required to get responses to this new possibility.
This consultation would be carried out over several months but will not affect the Feasibility Stage of a proposed Academy, which is where the project has now reached.
Feasibility usually takes nine to twelve months to complete. During Feasibility a project team draws up an educational vision, produces a curriculum, works on outline building design, develops a range of school policies and formally consults with the local community.
It is also not envisaged that consultation on the one or two site models would prevent the Academy being established on 1st September 2009. The new accommodation is due to be completed in 2012.
Councillors will consider the option of whether to consult again at Full Cabinet on 1st September 2008.
County Councillor Jim Buchanan, cabinet member responsible for children's wellbeing, said:
"We are committed to exploring every option to provide the best possible Academy for Barrow and the future education of its youngsters. We will consult extensively with all interested parties as to whether two sites, comprising new buildings, is indeed the way forward."
Members will also consider providing up to one million pounds sponsorship funding for a Barrow Academy.
To do this would demonstrate commitment to the project, provide support for existing lead sponsors Barrow Sixth Form College, Furness College and the University of Cumbria and encourage other local financial sponsors to come forward.
ENDS
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