Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services regarding a Review of Sixth Form Provision.

Dr Jane Overbury, author of the review, gave a brief introduction to her findings.

Concern was raised by the Board over the viability and sustainability of Sixth Form provision across its Family of Schools.  It was felt that smaller Sixth Forms could not provide the breadth of opportunity the City would like to offer.

The Board discussed the need for an overall strategic approach to for Sixth Form provision and whether this should focus on academic excellence or whether the City might strengthen its technical provision to provide an alternative pathway to its students. A number of ideas were shared, including:

·         the benefits of Sixth Forms collaborating in such a way that would provide an academic and technical/vocational ‘hub’.

·         a division of subjects, e.g. a STEM focussed provision and a Humanities focussed provision.

·         the possible establishment of two collegiate Sixth Forms, one north and one south of the river.

·         increased engagement beyond the City’s Family of Schools, with Livery schools etc.

Any decisions would need to be informed by the various excellent provisions that were already in place and should utilise the City’s unique Family make-up of academies and independent schools. Equally, the Board recognised the need for a robust approach to analysing curriculum provision within schools if there was a declining demand for Sixth Form places.

Members requested a strategy paper outlining the City’s options for Sixth Form provision to be considered by COLAT Board of Trustees and the Education Board.

RESOLVED, that the report be noted.