Decision details

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the intention of St Bernadette Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Aided (VA) school to academise and join The Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust (DoWAT), be noted.

2)    the request from the Diocese be reviewed and a freehold transfer of the land on which the nursery is situated, together with the building, be agreed and a 125-year lease on standard terms for the surrounding land be granted, as set out in the report and site plan;

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property introduced a report regarding the St Bernadette Catholic Primary School, which was currently a voluntary aided school but wished to convert to academy status by joining the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust. It was explained that this required the Council to transfer the freehold of the land and buildings to the Trust, with the surrounding land to be granted under a 125-year lease. These arrangements were described as standard practice for such transfers. The Cabinet Member noted that the long lease on the surrounding grounds would allow the Council to retain an interest should future changes occur.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education advised that since the publication of the report, the date for the academy conversion had been revised to 1 November 2025.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered other property options as set out in the report but considered that agreeing to the request from the Diocese and freehold transfer would be the most reasonable solution to support the school.