The meeting primarily focused on the proposal to cease the sixth form provision at Boroughbridge High School and the introduction of a new TMP Proposal. Decisions were made to move forward with both proposals after extensive discussions.

Boroughbridge High School - Proposal to Cease Sixth Form Provision

The council discussed the proposal to cease the sixth form provision at Boroughbridge High School. The primary argument for this proposal was the declining number of students enrolling in the sixth form, which has made it financially unsustainable. Councillors noted that the school has been struggling to offer a broad curriculum due to the low student numbers.

Councillor Paul Convery stated, The current situation is not viable. We need to ensure that students have access to a wider range of subjects and better facilities, which can be provided by larger institutions.

Opposition to the proposal came from local parents and teachers who argued that the closure would negatively impact the community and force students to travel longer distances for their education. Despite these concerns, the council decided to proceed with the proposal, citing the need for a more sustainable and effective educational structure.

TMP Proposal

The meeting also covered the introduction of the TMP Proposal, which aims to improve transportation options for young people in rural areas of North Yorkshire. The proposal includes plans to increase the number of bus routes and provide subsidised travel for students.

Councillor Jane Smith highlighted the importance of this initiative: Access to reliable transportation is crucial for our young people, especially those living in remote areas. This proposal will help ensure that all students can attend school and participate in extracurricular activities without the barrier of transportation issues.

There was unanimous support for the TMP Proposal, and the council agreed to implement it, with a review scheduled for six months after its initiation to assess its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack for the meeting.