Purpose

On the 25 June 2025, The Executive Cabinet
approved the allocation of £1.5m of High Needs capital grant
to enable adaptation work and equipping of the approved new SEN
Units, to open in September 2025.  The detail of which will be overseen by the
Education Capital Officer Board.
Copley Academy is one of the Academies
identified to host a SEN unit within the school grounds utilising
the High Needs capital grant.
This report seeks approval to novate an
existing grant agreement relating to Copley Academy School from the
outgoing academy trust - Great Academies Education Trust (GAET) to
the incoming academy trust - Dixon’s Academies Trust
(DAT).

Content

(i)           
That approval be
given for the novation of the Grant Agreement for adaptation works
at Copley Academy School dated 10 September 2025 from Great
Academies Education Trust (GAET) to Dixons Academies Trust (DAT)
and the entering into of the Deed of Novation documenting the terms
of novation, to enable the continued provision of SEN places within
the Borough.

 

(ii)           
That the Director
of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised, in consultation
with the Director of Children’s Services and Strategic
Director of Housing, Environment and Estates, to finalise the Deed
of Novation and any associated documentation. 

Reasons for the decision

Merger of Great Ashton Education
Trust with Dixons Academy Trust. 

Alternative options considered

To not approve the novation of the
Grant Agreement. However, this may prevent or delay the
transfer.