Programme update - February 2022

Where we are now

On February 8th 2022, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Committee approved changes to the principles and policies of the Schools for the Future programme. This was after the proposals were considered by the authority’s Children Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on January 25th, 2022.  

These new principles and policies include:   

  • Support for a target to improve learning outcomes to above the national average at Key Stage 2, Key Stage 4 and Post-16. 

  • Consistent, clear and honest communications via a single, agreed message to stakeholders 

  • The council no longer making initial proposals for changes to academies, as we are not the key decision-maker. We will now welcome two-tier proposals from Academy Trusts, which are supported by the DfE 

  • Proposals for primary / secondary conversion will be matched against Central Bedfordshire Council-validated pupil place requirements 

  • Setting out clear value for money principles in investing any capital funds into small schools  

  • Schools for the Future capital investment will not support early years or post-16 proposals 

  • Proposals to improve and create SEND places will continue but SEND investment will be a parallel programme led by Children’s Services and not directly managed by the Schools for the Future programme 

  • Schools for the Future funds will not be available to improve existing school accommodation. Additional accommodation will be provided as stand-alone new build blocks, unless site constraints dictate extensions/alterations are required 

  • A new Design Principles Policy that sets out what can fairly and equitably be funded across the schools still in the three-tier system 

  • All building improvement works will be funded by Central Bedfordshire Council and managed by Central Bedfordshire Council and its contractors 

  • A new six-point criteria, which the council will consider all conversion proposals against 

  • Comprehensive feasibility studies will inform public consultations on proposed changes 

These changes are aimed at providing greater clarity for schools and parents and support a fair and equitable approach across the whole of Central Bedfordshire.  

They were made in response to Central Bedfordshire Council adopting its Local Plan in July 2021. This was a key milestone which created the opportunity to reconfirm the school place provision required. 

Feedback from schools involved in the programme also highlighted that schools would welcome more transparency and clarity about the parameters of the programme.  

The Schools for the Future programme remains an ambitious programme of work taking place to raise educational standards through the provision of places required across Central Bedfordshire in line with the Local Plan. Part of this is the move to the two-tier model of education and is key to improving our education offer and in attracting and retaining the best teachers.  

The objectives of the programme remain to:  

  • Improve educational outcomes at all Key Stages 

  • Ensure sufficient places (appropriately located) to best meet demand from housing growth. 

  • Shape the future educational landscape - to provide clear educational pathways and reduce the number of transitions. 

  • Deliver best value – to ensure viability. 

  • Facilitate more school-based SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disability) provision. 

What happens next?

Central Bedfordshire Council will now invite all Governing Bodies and Trusts to consider and hopefully support these proposals 

The Council is now working towards publishing an outline phasing plan for the new primary / secondary system in each area, with the aim of giving all schools and parents the confidence that Schools for the Future will benefit all pupils in all the schools now looking forward to the new primary / Secondary system.  

This phasing plan will be published on this website and we will work to communicate this through schools. 

Where can I find out more about the Schools for the Future programme? 

This website is the main source for all the latest information about schools in the programme. New information about these policies and principles will be published on this website, while the latest information about schools in a particular area will published on this website within the relevant local area page when it is available. 

For answers to more general frequently asked questions about the Schools for the Future programme, go to Parents: Your questions answered section. 

Also on this website, you can find: