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main content All Saints Catholic School Proposal - Frequently Asked Questions (page 1 of 3)

1. Why is closure being considered?

Due to falling pupil numbers at the school, it is no longer financially viable to continue to run the school. The Y7 intake has steadily declined over the past 4-6 years, culminating in only 45 children expected to enter in September 2006. With such low numbers, it will not be possible to employ the staff and do the other things that are necessary to deliver the full statutory curriculum and subject range to pupils.

2. What is the purpose of the parent briefing meetings held on 10/1/06, 17/1/06, and 19/1/06?

The purpose of these meetings is to outline the reasons why we are recommending closure, the process and timescale for consultation, the arrangements for finding alternative places, the continuing commitment to support the school during the transitional stage pending the decision about its future.

3. When will formal consultation on the proposal to close the school commence?

The decision to consult on a proposal to close the school by August 2007 has been taken in partnership and with the complete agreement of Bromley Council, the Archdiocese of Southwark and the School's Governing Body. Consultation will commence in early February 2006 with the publication of the consultation leaflet and a series of public consultation meetings to be held during the second half of February and the first half of March 2006. Parents will be invited to comment on the proposal by a deadline date of 17 March 2006. The outcomes of consultation will be reviewed by the School's Governing Body, the Archdiocese of Southwark and Bromley Council in April 2006. Should the decision be to proceed with closure, the Public Notice will be issued. The School Organisation Committee would make the final decision on closure before the end of this school year.

4. What are the implications for existing pupils?

It is recommended that:

• Years 10 and 11 - complete their education at All Saints;
• Year 9 - transfer to other schools in September 2006;
• Year 8 - transfer to other schools in September 2007;
• Year 7 - transfer to other schools in September 2007.

Bromley Council is exploring the options for alternative school places with the Head Teachers and Governors of Bromley schools, and with Croydon and Lewisham Councils.

5. What has been done to help the school?

Substantial efforts, with much success, have been made by Bromley Council, regarding Government's Department for Education and Skills (DfES), the Archdiocese of Southwark and other Bromley schools to improve the quality of education provided by the school and to enhance its reputation. Measures included additional funding to address a serious deficit; increased management capacity; rebranding; support for Health and Safety, teaching, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT); refurbishment and enhanced resources. In 2005, a federation of four local secondary schools was established, including All Saints, with a view to improving standards in the schools. There has been a significant investment of time and energy by the Head Teacher, Governors and staff, who have worked hard to try and secure the success of the school. Additional financial investment in the school by Bromley Council, the Government, and the Archdiocese has amounted to £1m in 2005/06 and a further £600K in 2006/07, above the school's normal budget share.

6. What availability of Post-16 provision is there for All Saints students?

The concerns about Post-16 provision raised at the 10/1/06 Briefing Meeting will be investigated to see how they can be resolved.

7. How can you guarantee that the quality of my child’s education won’t suffer?

We are putting a great deal of thought into ensuring the quality of education for the pupils that remain at the school. Those children that remain at the school will benefit from a high teacher pupil ratio as well as a smaller more “child friendly” learning environment. We are committed to maintaining a high quality curriculum, retaining staff and subject expertise, continuing clubs and extra curricular activities, providing continuity for students and providing the necessary funding to make all of this possible.

8. How many staff will there be in school this academic year and next?

There will be at least 25 members of teaching staff, together with support staff, employed at the school until the proposed school closure date of July 2007. The Council is talking to staff to ensure that arrangements are in place for staff to stay until the proposed school closure date. This will include discussion about retention packages and other incentives.

9. What happens if teachers start leaving the school - how will you ensure that the subjects my child is studying are taught?

All Saints School is part of a federation of secondary schools and other secondary Head Teachers have already indicated that they will help by providing staff to cover subject areas should the need arise.

All Saints Catholic School Proposal - FAQs continued.

Link to page two of three pages of questions and answers on the proposal.