In February 2015 the Council agreed that Brunel Academy (formerly known as Torbay School) needed to be relocated for the benefit of the school. As previously proposed sites have not been deliverable, Children Services are reviewing proposals for the future of the academy this includes further relocation options as well as the development of their existing site.

That the options appraisal for Brunel Academy is extended to encompass the Polsham Key Stage 3 and Hillside Key Stage 4 alternative provision sites in order to develop an holistic response that makes best use of the resources available, whilst maximising outcomes for SEMH pupils.  This work to be completed early February 2018 with the outcome to be presented to a future meeting of the Policy Development and Decision Group.

To enable wider options to be considered in respect of the proposed relocation of Brunel Academy.

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This decision will come into force and may be implemented on Wednesday, 3 January 2018 unless the call-in process is triggered (as set out in Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The submitted report provided details of the options considered to date in respect of the proposed relocation of Brunel Academy (formerly known as Torbay School) due to the current constraints of the school site, following a decision taken by the Council in February 2015 that the school needed to be relocated.

Brunel Academy is currently located on Torquay Road, Paignton.  The site area of the school is 4,332m² against a DfE recommended size of 10,160m² for a school of this size and character.  The lack of space, particularly outdoors, creates significant difficulties for school leadership in meeting the needs of its pupils, particularly the vocational needs of older children.

The Deputy Mayor considered the recommendations of the Policy Development and Decision Group (Joint Commissioning Team) made on 14 December 2017 and his decision is set out above.

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