Agenda item

Report of the Headmaster of the City of London School (copy attached).

The Board received a report of the Headmaster of the City of London School relative to various School issues such as the recruitment progress for September 2013 during Autumn Term and health and safety.

Recruitment Progress for September 2013 during Autumn Term

Due to the number of applications received, the Headmaster informed the Board that selection would be very difficult. There had been 755 applications received to date and an increase of 75 applicants for means tested scholarships.

Governors commented on the large number of applicants, and discussed that it may be useful to try and lower the number of prospective applications. The Headmaster noted that there were pre-screening tests, before applications were received, and the admissions process included panel interviews. Governors suggested a satellite school could be established if the demand to attend the school remained high and the Headmaster noted that there were opportunities for expansion with interested parties. A Governor felt a satellite school would not be the best strategy and could negatively affect the excellent reputation of the existing School. It was important the School continued to attract the best pupils and also those who could most benefit from attending.

The Headmaster and Governors felt the School would only continue to attract more applications as it was a top ranking school in Central London, and demand for schools in the area was increasing.

The Chairman noted it was important the School was not oversubscribed. Governors discussed that it may be best to increase the physical size of the School and it was noted that this was a discussion that could be had as part of the Education Strategy.

Health and Safety

It was noted that the School had undertaken a recent Security Alert Practice which had revealed some deficiencies in the Public Address system and a motherboard had been replaced. The Board was reassured the School had a back-up system and had not been at any risk.