Decision details

At its meeting on 14 December the Cabinet considered a report setting out the Council’s priority schemes to be undertaken as part of Cardiff’s Band B 21^st Century Schools Programme.  The priorities include a proposal for Willows High School to be rebuilt and expanded to provide a new 11-16 high schools with eight forms of entry.  This report seeks Cabinet’s approval to consult on this proposal.

RESOLVED: that officers be authorised to consult on proposals to

•      Discontinue St Albans R.C. Primary School from 31 August 2021;

•      Increase the capacity of Baden Powell Primary School from 420 places (2 Forms of Entry) to 630 places (3 Forms of Entry), and reduce the age range of the school from 3-11 years to 4-11 years, from September 2021;

•      Transfer Baden Powell Primary School to Tremorfa Park and replace the existing buildings with new build facilities with capacity to provide 630 places (3 Forms of Entry).

•      Transfer Willows High School to Tremorfa Park and replace the existing buildings with new build accommodation, increasing the capacity of the school from 1,121 places (7.4 Forms of Entry) to 1,200 places (8 Forms of Entry)

•      To establish post-16 provision for up to 250pupils within the new buildings;

•      Increase the capacity of Tremorfa Nursery School from 112 places to 128 places and expand the range of services provided on site including Flying Start childcare and parenting support, within an Integrated Children’s Centre  on the existing  Tremorfa Nursery School site and the vacated St Albans R.C. Primary School site;

•      Upgrade community facilities in the Splott Ward through the replacement of public open space at the former Willows High School site, significantly enhanced community facilities located on the new school site and replacement pitches for shared use with St Albans Rugby Club and the wider local community at Tremorfa Park.

•      Note that officers will bring a report on the outcome of the consultation to a future meeting to seek authorisation as to whether to proceed to publish proposals in accordance with section 48 of The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.

A range of stakeholders including Members, Governors, Headteachers, school staff, parents, children and local residents will be consulted as part of the public consultation.