The Regional Schools Commissioner has agreed in principle to the closure of Bath Community Academy (BCA), and B&NES Council will now be working to ensure that it understands any issues and concerns being raised.
The Council will be working closely with Cabot Learning Federation, BCA and all of the other schools in the area to ensure that if the final decision results in closure, the impact is carefully managed and that children’s education is not adversely affected.
The proposal to close the school was made by Cabot in July this year.
The school, which currently has 241 pupils, is expected to close at the end of the summer term of 2018.
Councillor Michael Evans (Conservative, Midsomer Norton, North) Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “It is always sad to hear that a school or educational establishment is likely to close.
“The Council is committed to ensuring that, should the Regional Schools Commissioner confirm the closure, it will not adversely affect the education of the young people currently attending the school.
“If the closure is to take place as proposed in the summer of 2018, we will have time to ensure we make the transition period for all those affected as smooth as possible.
“We will be working with Cabot Learning Foundation, Bath Community Academy and other schools in the area to plan the transition and to find places for all the pupils.
“We will also be working closely with the families affected to provide, where eligible, home school transport depending on the distance needed to travel from home to school.
“Bath & North East Somerset has many good secondary schools and we will be working closely with the families to provide the best possible solution.”
There are currently 241 pupils attending Bath Community Academy, out of a capacity of 720. The number has not risen above 300 since Cabot Learning Foundation began supporting the school in 2012.
As a result, the school’s budget is reducing to the point where the school is no longer able to cover the costs of teaching and other resources required to provide a high quality education for its pupils.
Ben Howlett, Bath MP, said: “I am disappointed to hear that after careful consideration Department for Education Ministers have taken the decision, in-principle, to close Bath Community Academy.
“Despite this news, I will continue to champion for the local community to get outstanding educational opportunities from any future educational establishment on this site.
“Now is the time for continued consultation with parents and stakeholders to ensure that the current pupils receive the best education during this difficult period, and that the Academy site is utilised to the best educational advantage of the surrounding community.”