Minutes:
Councillor Calum Watt, Chair of the Community Leadership Scrutiny Committee, introduced the topic of discussion which was the Consultation to close Sixth Form Provision at Lincoln Castle Academy.
The Committee received a verbal report from Emily Holmes, Assistant Director, Strategic Development. During consideration of the presentation, the following points were noted:
The Chair offered his thanks to Emily Holmes and welcomed comments and questions from Members of the Committee. As a result of discussions between Members, questions submitted and answers received prior to the meeting, the following points were made: -
Question: What specific data or metrics were used to determine that the Sixth Form provision was financially unsustainable? Were there any alternative cost-saving measures considered before the decision on closure was taken?
Response: To be financially viable, the Department for Education (DfE) recommended that Sixth Forms required approximately 200 students within them. The DfE also stated that the average class size for Sixth Form teaching groups should be at least 15 (Department for Education ‘Making significant changes to an open academy’ January 2022). The school ran to a curriculum-led financial planning model predicated on an approximate teacher contact ratio of 0.79 and a curriculum bonus (a measure of class sizes) of under 8%. Recognising that the curriculum was both educationally unsound and financially unsustainable, school leaders took the decision in Summer 2021 to withdraw unviable courses prior to students who enrolled in September 2021. As a result, admission numbers fell from approximately 80 to just over 40. This had further fallen to 34 by June, and only 25 by September 2022. Whilst a Sixth form is routinely considered as a separate entity (and sometimes as a loss leader in terms of group sizes), class sizes of 1 in Maths and Chemistry and 4 students in History could not be financially sustained.
Question: How were student voices incorporated into the decision-making process? Were there any student surveys or focus groups conducted to gather student perspectives on the Sixth Form?
Response: The most important survey conducted was to publish credible offers to students in December 2021 and December 2022. On both occasions, zero students applied for Lincoln Castle Academy Sixth Form.
Question: Had Lincoln Castle Academy considered the potential long-term implications of closure of the Sixth Form on the overall school community? How might the decision affect future student enrolment and the school's reputation?
Response: Lincoln Castle Academy were clear that the decision to close the school’s Sixth Form would have no impact on future enrolment and the school’s reputation. Successful outcomes in Summer 2024 and indications from feeder schools that parents had taken a second look at Lincoln Castle Academy, pointed towards a strong future without a Sixth Form. These outcomes, and the improvements the school was making across the board, were only possible because the school had focused its efforts on raising standards within Key Stages 3 and 4. The diversion of resources (whether the best teaching, the cost of small class sizes or teaching space) to a Sixth Form would be to the detriment of the rest of the school.
Question: How would Lincoln Castle Academy ensure that students who were affected by the closure had access to adequate support and guidance in finding alternative post-16 education options? Would there be dedicated staff members or resources available to assist them?
Response: Expert Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) was already in place at Lincoln Castle Academy, supported by the Academy’s own dedicated Progress Careers Adviser. Representatives from 9 local and regional providers would be brought in during the Academy’s Post-16 Providers Fair on Thursday 19 September 2024, which gave students everything they needed to make decisions about Post-16 destinations.
Question: What were the potential impacts of the closure on the wider community? Would it affect local businesses, job opportunities, or the overall vibrancy of the area?
Response: As there were only 22 students in the Sixth Form by the time of their exams, any impact was likely to be minimal.
Question: How would the Academy ensure that the community was kept informed throughout the consultation process? Would there be opportunities for public meetings or open forums to discuss the proposal?
Response: The consultation had been published and members of the community had been invited to make representations.
Question: Would the Academy be transparent about the financial situation of the Sixth Form and the reasons for the proposed closure? Would detailed information be provided about the costs and benefits of each option?
Response: The Academy were committed to working in partnership with parents, members of the local community and other relevant stakeholders to ensure they were kept informed of any developments as they arose.
Comment: It was not right that Members had been denied the opportunity to question the officials about a decision of such great impact. It would be positive to meet with officials prior to the consultation deadline of 14 October 2024.
Comment: Public discussion of the topic was both important and necessary.
Calum Watt, Chair of the Community Leadership Scrutiny Committee: The subject was too important to be left. Requested Officers sought an extension of the Consultation deadline for the item to be considered at the next meeting of the Community Leadership Scrutiny Committee on 15 October 2024.
Comment: In contrary to the response received from Lincoln Castle Academy reference class sizes at A Level, it was possible to run class sizes smaller than 15. Music and Languages often ran much smaller classes. It appeared that there were costing savings involved. Issues with non-specialist teaching within Key Stages 3 & 4 had been experienced. For many parents in the area, Lincoln Castle Academy was the school of last resort. A great number of parents had been desperate to secure a place for their children at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, Lincoln College, The Priory Academy LSST and Lincoln University Technical College. It may be the case that for some parents, in the absence of a Sixth Form, Lincoln Castle Academy became less desirable. It was advantageous for teachers to teach at A Level stage and therefore, closure of the Sixth From removed a pool of teachers which could affect the retention of teachers. Lincoln Castle Academy had some very good teachers and pupils and was a great school in many ways.
Comment: Many parents wanted their children to start and finish at the same school. There were no other 11-16 age ranged schools within Lincoln which created the question of viability of schools in the future. It would be useful if the projections for the number of secondary school pupils within Lincoln over the next few years could be understood; if the numbers were decreasing, the decision could have a significant effect. There was the issue of transport for children of Ermine West unless they chose Lincoln College which would be positive for some, but not others. There were a number of difficulties which included the condition of the building which was built as one with Yarborough Leisure Centre. Several Sixth Form staff had already left. The decision should be examined in public.
Comment: The Academy had previously had class sizes smaller than 15. If the Academy did not have children that wanted to stay, they had to go elsewhere, and that issue would continue.
Comment: The figure quoted of zero students for the previous two years seemed a real failure and public questioning would be positive.
Comment: The topic of decision was a perfect example of what the Community Leadership Scrutiny Committee was established to hear. Lincoln Castle Academy had a duty to the Community to be accountable and it was disappointing that a representative was not in attendance. Professional views had been aired during the meeting and the Academy should have been in attendance before the public, via the Committee, to explain themselves.
Comment: The Council was a nexus point and worked with multiple agencies; therefore, should be part of the solution.
Comment: Members were in unanimous agreement to invite Lincoln Castle Academy to the next meeting of Community Leadership Scrutiny Committee, scheduled for 15 October 2024.
Note: Calum Watt, Chair of the Community Leadership Scrutiny Committee wished it be noted that he was deeply disappointed that a representative of Lincoln Castle Academy was not in attendance to the meeting.
Comment: It would be positive to be given knowledge of the depth of the consultation, in terms of how the consultation had been publicised and where it went. It did not appear to have been excessively publicised, and many individuals were unaware of the proposed closure.
Comment: It would be positive if Members were informed of how many students were in the current Year 11 group so the ratio of how many people would be leaving, would be known.
RESOLVED that:
(Note: Councillor Donald Nannestad left proceedings at this stage)