In 2003 all local authorities in England were asked to submit an Expression of Interest outlining proposals to replace or refurbish secondary schools. The DfES received Expressions of Interest from many local authorities including Dudley. Inclusion in the early waves of the national Building Schools for the Future programme was targeted on local authorities with high levels of deprivation and low levels of attainment at GCSE. For each year of the programme approximately 10 local authorities will be included and referred to as "waves".
Wave 1 was announced at the end of 2003, Waves 2 and 3 in November 2004. Dudley was given indicative information that inclusion would be in Waves 7 - 9. This means that inclusion could start from 2010/11 (Wave 7), 2011/12 (Wave 8) or 2012/13 (Wave 9). Dudley is working hard to secure inclusion in Wave 7 (2010/11).
In preparation for this, discussions have been taking place with secondary schools and the wider community since the beginning of 2005. Cabinet approved governance arrangements for this major project in June 2005. Consultation on principles and statements of intent was conducted in late 2005.
Dudley has continued to work towards a strategy for replacing or refurbishing all secondary schools in the borough and progress reports were considered by Cabinet in June 2006 and December 2006.
Consultation began on 11 June 2007. The launch event included all secondary schools, special schools, colleges, Learning and Skills Council, Council Directorates and partners such as the Primary Care Trust (health). Inclusion in the programme will depend on Dudley developing a strategy that addresses all of the major policy areas required by the government as well as the requirements of each area within Dudley. The revised strategy must be widely supported before it is submitted to the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
The strategy will include 3 main elements
how the key policy areas will be addressed
what is proposed for individual schools
how each school project will be phased in Dudley's programme.
In summary the strategy needs to set out what Dudley is proposing to do to ensure that all secondary schools provide high quality education in fit for purpose, well resourced accommodation.
An announcement by the DCSF regarding when Dudley will be included in the national programme is expected in the Autumn of 2008. If Dudley is included in Wave 7, detailed consultation will be conducted for all schools included in Dudley's Phase 1 proposals.
Further information can be found by accessing the following sites;
