School Organisation Committee

The School Organisation Committee is established in accord with Section 24 of the School Standards and Framework Act (SSFA) 1998 to make decisions on statutory proposals for changes to maintained schools, such as closing or enlarging existing provision, building new schools or providing additional nursery units or sixth forms, to meet local needs.

As the School Organisation Committee is not a Committee of the County Council, it is for the Committee's members to determine whether the public and press can attend its meetings.  The Committee's most recent consideration of this matter concluded that its meetings would not be public, although written representations from the public would be considered.

Decisions on issues are now taken locally (rather than centrally) by a partnership of interested parties: the School Organisation Committee (SOC).

The SOC, is independent of the County Council and consists of groups representing the Local Education Authority, Church of England and Roman Catholic dioceses, Schools, and the Learning and Skills Council  for post 16 provision.

Decisions are made following consultation and formal Notice of proposals within the local press, and any interested person may comment or object. Objections will be carefully considered by the SOC. 

If the Committee cannot come to a unanimous agreement, proposals will be decided by an independent Adjudicator appointed by the Secretary of State.

The SSFA introduced new arrangements for changes to the organisation of schools and detailed guidance on statutory proposals is published by the DfES at www.dfes.gov.uk/schoolorg/

Last Modified: 06/07/2006 12:37:59
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