Decision details

At its meeting on 17 June 2021 the Cabinet, in accordance with the terms of the Schools Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act, approved a recommendation for the publication of a statutory notice to :

·         Increase the capacity of Cathays High School from 1,072 places (5.5 forms of entry with 247 sixth form places) to 1,450 places (8 Forms of Entry with 250 sixth form places) from September 2023

·         Replace the Cathays High School buildings with new build accommodation on the Maindy Centre site adjacent to Crown Way and North Road

·         Expand the current Specialist Resource Base (SRB) for learners with Autism Spectrum Condition from 16 to 50 places in purpose built accommodation in the new school buildings

The statutory notice was published on 29 June for a period of 28 days to allow for objections.  The statutory notice period expired on 26 July 2021. 

The purpose of the report is to advise the Cabinet of any objections received, the Council’s response to these objections and recommendations for implementation or otherwise of the proposal

RESOLVED: that

(i)           Approval be given to the proposals in respect of changes to Cathays High School, as set out in paragraph 1 of this report, without modification, subject to the Charity Commission’s consent in relation to the trust on the Maindy site

(ii)          officers be authorised to take the appropriate actions to implement the proposals as set out in paragraph 1 of the report

(iii)         officers be authorised to publish the decision within 7 days of determination of the proposal.

(iv)         It be noted that a further report will be brought to Cabinet in relation to Trust and Property matters.

(v)          Authority be delegated to the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning (in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Education, Employment & Skills and Finance, Modernisation & Performance, the Director of Governance and Legal Services, the Director of Economic Development and the Corporate Director for Resources) to determine all aspects of the procurement process (including for the avoidance of doubt development of all procurement documentation and selection and award criteria, commencement of procurement through to award of contracts) for the new build schools.