Slough Birth Rate
Paul Dodgshun
...
Four councils in the south east – Slough, Wokingham and the London
boroughs of Lewisham and Barking and Dagenham – face the biggest pupil
population rises of more than 20 per cent.
The disclosure is made in an internal report by Partnerships for
Schools, the Government’s school buildings quango.
….
And when that 20%+ rise reaches the secondary schools what happens?
Do not forget to add in the requirements of 14-19 education and
compulsory sixth form/college education.
Also one of the comments states :-
"In some parts of the country the situation is going to get much worse
from September, 2011 because of the Government's decision to allow all
children to enter the school system from the age of 4."
It seems like yesterday when the DfES/DCSF were running a project
called 'Falling School Rolls' and trying to shut primary schools, long
after the birth rate had turned upwards; the low was in 2001/2002. In
Gloucestershire the LEA told people that they had to close 25 (10% of
the total) primary schools across the county. In the end they closed
3, all of which were small. You are allowed a guess at what the
ulterior motive was.
Regards,
Paul Dodgshun
Tony2
Dear Supporters,
As you are aware the Government’s spending review was announced on 20 October. Unfortunately, it may take a few weeks for any real detail to filter through the mire of bureaucracy to see where the money for UK schools will be spent. The government have said…”the schools budget will increase in real terms in each year of the Spending Review period. But economies in other areas mean that there will be a total real reduction in Departmental resource spending of 3% by 2014-15. Following on from the decision to halt Building Schools for the Future (BSF), capital spending will be reduced by 60% in real terms by 2014-15. The average annual capital budget over the period will be higher than the average annual capital budget in the 1997-98 to 2004-05 period.”
It appears that many parents are of the belief that the merger threat has gone away. At this time we still do not know for certain whether the Government will allow funds to be made available to explore the option of a Catholic (Academy) College in Slough. Therefore, we cannot say for sure that the threat has gone away. The Diocese have stated that they “still wish to pursue the vision of a Catholic College should funding become available.” That funding may be given as the Diocese and sponsors continue to develop their vision.
We must continue to be vigilant while there is uncertainty and while the Diocese and Slough is adamant that they want to see a closure of St. Bernard’s and a subsequent merger.
Thank you.
Tony
NB: The autumn school ball is being held on 20 November – support the school by attending and bring some guests with you. I hope to meet you there as it may yet become a celebration party!!
Tony2
Please find attached the latest NGSA newsletter or use the link to visit their website.
http://www.ngsa.org.uk/nlet-november2010.php