Transcript Slide 1

The Christian Brothers School
Belfast
Review of Post-primary
Education
May 2014
Purpose of Review
To consider the future of Edmund Rice
Schools Trust educational provision for boys in
the Glen Road area of South West Belfast
Agenda
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Sustainable Schools’ Policy
Enrolments
Curriculum provision
Financial plan
Proposals
Possible next steps
Sustainable Schools’ Policy January 2009
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The demographic downturn being experienced in
recent years presents the education system with a
major challenge of ensuring schools remain
educationally and financially viable.
The Bain proposals require a post-primary school to
have a minimum 500 pupils Years 8 to 12.
On the current year 8 entry trend CBS in 4 years
would be a school of 220.
Profile of Enrolment
CBS Year 8 Intake
Year
No of pupils
Capacity
750
Admissions Number
100
2009/10
78
2010/11
68
2011/12
70
2012/13
58
2013/14
44
Consequences for a small school
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Providing a broad and balanced curriculum
for all pupils would become extremely
difficult.
The capacity to provide a wide range of
extracurricular activities would be reduced.
With a small enrolment there would be
increased pressures on the Board of
Governors of CBS to reduce staffing levels.
Curriculum Provision
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The quality of educational provision is not in
question, but
CBS cannot deliver the number of subjects in KS4
(Years 11-12)required by regulation.
KS4 (Years 11-12)pupils do not have access to a
suitably broad and balanced curriculum.
CBS can deliver the number and type of subjects
at Advanced Level.
Some subjects at post 16 have classes less than
10 students.
Finance – 3 Year Financial Plan
(BELB Information)
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2,458,242
2,372,668
2,299,333
Total
2,373,827
Expenditure
2,362,996
2,362,996
Carry Over £84,415
Deficit
£9,672
-£63,663
Total
Budget
Conclusion
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CBS is having difficulty delivering the full
Entitlement Framework and could become
financially unviable.
Proposal 1 of the Trustees
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The Trustees propose that education
provision at the Christian Brothers School
ceases on a phased basis effective from 1
September 2015.
Final closure 31 August 2017.
Proposal 2 of the Trustee
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The Trustees propose to extend the long
term enrolment of St Mary’s Christian
Brothers Grammar School to 1660.
The Trustees also propose that in future up
to 75% of the pupils will be admitted on the
basis of the GL Assessment Test (Transfer
Tests).
The remainder will be a non-selective intake.
Proposal 2 (contd)
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Adjustments will be necessary to accommodate a
wider ability range.
Some infrastructure additions/alterations will be
needed for the increased numbers of pupils.
With a school population of 1660 St Mary’s Christian
Brothers Grammar will continue to be able to deliver
the Entitlement Framework of 24 subjects at GCSE
and 27 subjects at Advanced level.
Time line into the future
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No year 8’s will start CBS in 2015 although
this will depend on a ministerial decision.
Other year groups remain in CBS for 2 years
to complete their education.
CBS to close August 2017.
Arrangements will be made for the transfer of
pupils to St Mary’s on a phased basis.
Benefits
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A broader curriculum at KS3 and KS4 for all.
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An enhanced range of subjects at both GCSE and
Advanced level.
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A range of appropriate pathways at Post-16.
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Greater opportunities for extra-curricular activities.
What Happens now?
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A period of one month to respond to the
issues raised tonight.
If Trustees decide to proceed they will ask
BELB to publish a ‘Development Proposal’
(DP).
This triggers a period of public consultation
(at least two months).
Ministerial decision.
Details of consultation
Any responses you have may be sent to the following email address:
[email protected]
Alternatively you may send your queries and concerns to :
Council for Catholic Maintained Schools
160 High St
Holywood
Co Down
BT 18 9HT
The final date by which comments may be made is
Monday 16th June 2014