Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: October 14, 2025

Purpose: The Cabinet will be provided with an update on demand for school places, new school provision / expansion projects and the latest funding issues and asked to approve appropriate proposals.

Content: Cabinet resolved to:   (i)  Note the actions being taken to manage school places across the Borough and to meet the demand for specialist places;   (ii)  Agree the extension of Local Education Partnership for a further 18 months ending April 2027, as set out in section 10 of the report;   (iii)  Agree to a 125-year lease of City Farm, Thames Road, Barking to the Partnership Learning Trust using the DfE’s standard academy lease terms, as set out in section 11 of the report; and   (iv)  Approve the proposed projects, allocations of funding amounting to £24,404,726 and procurement routes to support the provision of new specialist places and improvements, as set out in sections 13 and 14 of the report;   (v)  Delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement and the Head of Legal, to conduct the procurements and award the respective project contracts.