The Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Finance meeting on Friday 10 January 2025 approved the minutes of the previous meeting and agreed to a funding agreement for the expansion of Marlborough School in Woodstock.

Marlborough School Expansion Approved

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Dan Levy, approved the sealing of a funding agreement to release over £1 million to the River Learning Trust (RLT) for the expansion of Marlborough School in Woodstock. This expansion will increase the school's capacity from six forms of entry (6FE) to seven forms of entry (7FE), accommodating rising primary school numbers due to local housing growth.

The project involves the construction of a new six-classroom teaching block, along with internal alterations to provide additional changing facilities and toilets. External works will also be undertaken to create more parking and improve traffic flow around the school. The total estimated capital budget for the expansion is £4.5 million. Funding will be primarily sourced from Section 106 (s106) contributions, with the remaining shortfall to be met from the Basic Need Contingency. The RLT will be responsible for delivering the project, with Edgar Taylor Construction appointed as the main contractor. The expansion is anticipated to be completed by summer 2026.

The report highlighted that this action supports the Council's statutory duty to provide necessary pupil places in response to population growth. The project is designed to meet the LETI Climate Emergency Design Guide standards, aiming for a significant improvement in carbon emissions over current building regulations. The expansion has received planning permission from West Oxfordshire District Council and is awaiting final approval from the Regional Schools Director.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes from the previous meeting held on Friday, 13 December 2024, were approved. No declarations of interest, questions from County Councillors, or petitions and public addresses were noted for this meeting.