Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Information Only

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: June 18, 2025

Purpose:

Content: DECISION:   1.     To note the decision of the Secretary of State for Education on 27 February 2025, to approve the application from the Governing Body of Virginia Primary School to convert the school to academy status, and that the Council has a statutory duty under law to facilitate the conversion process. 2.     To delegate to the Corporate Director for Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, the overall management and timing of the conversion process working with all relevant parties. 3.     To authorise the Council to enter into a commercial transfer agreement on suitably agreed terms, as well as any other necessary agreements with relevant third parties, as described in paragraphs 3.4 – 3.22.  The School Agreement, The Principal Agreement, The Deed of Variation to the Project Agreement and the LGCA Certificate. 4.     To authorise the Council to negotiate with the Academy Sponsor – London East Teacher Training Alliance (LETTA) Trust and agree the detailed terms of the lease for the Council owned land, to allow for the operation of the Academy from the transfer date. To grant the lease for a period of 125 years for a ‘peppercorn rent’, in accordance with the relevant standard documentation produced by the Department for Education 5.     To authorise the Council to negotiate and conclude a Deed of Assignment of the current Council underlease at Virginia Primary School, to be entered into alongside the 125-year Lease. 6.     To authorise the Divisional Director, Legal (Monitoring Officer), to execute all documentation required to implement the decisions. 7.     To note the equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 5.1 of the report. Action by: CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S SERVICES (S. REDDY) Director of Education (L. Fraser)