Purpose

Report to Cabinet 28 June 2017, Decision
No.120/17 resolved that approval be given to proceed with the
“academy / free school presumption” process to
establish secondary provision on land at Kelvin Way, West
Bromwich.

Report to Cabinet 31 January 2018 Decision No.13/18 (6) & (7)
resolved that, subject to the Regional Schools Commissioner
decision to appoint the council’s preferred sponsor, to
proceed with the successful sponsor to establish a new school
secondary school at Kelvin Way, West Bromwich.

The Council received a letter from the Department of Education on
27 March 2018 confirming that Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust
had been given Secretary of State approval to sponsor the secondary
free school (West Bromwich Collegiate Academy).

The build of the school was completed in phases. Phase 1 was
completed in August 2019 and opened to children in September 2019.
Phase 2 was completed in August 2020. A 12-month defect period on
the build expired in August 2021. The Local Authority is now
required to grant an academy lease to Shireland Collegiate Academy
Trust as per the Education Act 2011, Schedule 14.

To record that the Authority is requested to proceed with the grant
of a Lease to Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust is in accordance
with the Scheme of Delegation to Chief Officers and will be
conducted in accordance with the council’s standard
procedures for the award of a lease to the Trust.

Content

That, in accordance with the authority granted
under Minute No.125/22 of Council, ‘22 (e) Part 3 Scheme of
Delegation October 2022 4.5’, and subject to the agreement of
the Monitoring Officer / Assistant Director – Legal &
Assurance, the Director of Children and Education authorises the
grant of a lease for the land at Kelvin Way, West Bromwich, now
known as West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, to Shireland Collegiate
Academy Trust as per the statutory obligation placed upon the
Council under Schedule 14 of the Education Act 2011.