Proposal to Montgomery Junior School
Linked to a proposal to expand Montgomery Infant and Nursery School
This proposal provides relevant information in accordance with the School Organisation
(Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013.
School Details
Local Authority Details
Montgomery Junior (Community)
Baronswood Way
Colchester
Essex
CO2 9QG
Essex County Council
School Organisation Team
PO Box 4261
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1GS
Description
Latest forecasts of pupil numbers for Colchester (as shown in the public consultation
document issued in November 2013) indicate that, with the housing indicated in Colchester
Borough Council’s Annual Monitoring report, there will be a need for up to 224 places (7½
fe) in primary schools across parts of the town by 2017.
The following table shows the potential deficit of reception places over the next four years
across these areas based on data provided by the Health Authorities in Essex in January 2013
showing the number of children living in the areas registered with a GP.
Year to be admitted to Reception
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
Academic year born
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
Number of children registered with a
1793
GP
1804
1857
n/a
Total number of Reception places
1546
1546
1546
1546
1641
1646
1688
1662
-95
-100
-142
-116
Predicted local requirement for places
with potential pupils from new 1684
housing
1709
1770
1761
Predicted deficit with potential pupils
-138
from new housing
-163
-224
-215
Predicted local
Reception places
requirement
Predicted deficit of reception places
for
Colchester has experienced a significant rise in the demand for places in primary schools in
the last few years as a result of rising births and new housing. Primary provision in the town
was increased by over 105 places a year, 3½ forms of entry (fe), from 2012 through the
expansion of 9 schools. There is, however, predicted to be continued significant pressure on
pupil places in the future as a result of rising births, inward migration and significant further
housing development planned in North Colchester.
Pupil numbers in the locality have been closely monitored to ascertain whether the
reception growth is sustained in the longer term. The latest forecast indicates that this is the
case, and therefore permanent expansion of primary provision is required to meet the
forecast demand for primary places.
With the full support of the Governing Body of Montgomery Junior School, it is proposed to
expand Montgomery Junior School from 240 places (two forms of entry) to 360 places (three
forms of entry) on a phased basis, from September 2017. This would enable the school to
continue to admit 30 additional reception children each year from September 2017.
Current Capacity
New Capacity
240
360
Current Published Admission Number
New Published Admission Number
60
90
The school enjoys strong support from within its community. For September 2013, 90% of
children on roll at the linked infant school had registered to make the transition to the junior
school. The school is currently rated as Requires Improvement by Ofsted. Expansion of the
school will provide more places to meet the growing demand in Colchester. Expansion of
the school will enable more parents to gain a place for their child at a popular school.
Consultation
A formal consultation on a proposal to expand Montgomery Junior from 240 places to 360
places on a phased basis was held between 6 November 2013 and 7 December 2017.
A response form was made available online and the consultation document was distributed
to parents of children at the infant and junior schools via the schools. Copies of the
document were also posted to other interested parties by e-mail or royal mail. Responses to
the consultation could be made through the organised meetings and/or via the electronic
response form, by letter or email.
A public drop in session for parents, staff, pupils and the local community was held on 20
November 2013 in the afternoon and again on 20 November 2013 in the evening.
Objectives
The County Council is under a duty to promote high educational standards, ensure fair
access to educational opportunity and promote the fulfilment of every child’s educational
potential. It must also ensure that there are sufficient schools in the county to promote
diversity and increase parental choice. This is rolled up in the council’s vision to “increase
educational achievement and enhance skills”.
The Commissioning School Places in Essex document for 2013-18 notes that a key role of the
local authority will be to support parents and families through promoting a good supply of
strong schools.
The demand for places in Colchester and the strong parental preference for the school mean
that its expansion will help achieve the above aims.
Effect on other schools and educational institutions
The proposed expansion of the school is to meet a forecast deficit of primary places in the
area. Therefore there is no foreseen effect on other schools in the area, as the expansion is
proportionate to meet the forecast demand for places.
Funding
The cost of the building work required to enable the school to expand will be met by Essex
County Council.
The County Council has currently made provision in its three year Capital Programme for
£2,859,000 for the proposed expansion of the Montgomery Infant and Nursery School and
Montgomery Junior Schools.
Implementation
The school will expand from 1 September 2017 on a phased basis.
Details on how to respond to proposals
Within four weeks from the date of publication (31 July 2014) you may make objections or
comments in respect of this proposal in the following ways:
By post:
The Executive Director: People Commissioning
c/o School Organisation, Education & lifelong Learning
Essex County Council
PO Box 4261
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1GS
By email:
school.organisation@essex.gov.uk