The B&NES Council Cabinet will be forced to meet and reconsider its decision to start the process of closing Culverhay school after a crucial vote on a formal challenge last night. 

The B&NES children and young people overview and scrutiny panel agreed by seven votes in favour to none against that the Cabinet should look again at the Bath secondary schools review. Panel members questioned the Cabinet member for Children’s services as well as Councillors and public speakers for over three hours to determine whether the Cabinet took all the right factors into account when making their decision. 

“Last night’s meeting just went to prove that the Cabinet has allowed outside developments to drive the secondary schools review, rather than trying to understand what is really needed in Bath.  

“With so much change happening currently, I believe the Cabinet should suspend any process for the time being to await the outcome of legislative changes, the Oldfield application and the federation proposal between two Bath schools.  

“The campaigners to save Culverhay would refute the Cabinet member’s allegation that the community has turned its back on the school; the community wants Culverhay to be coeducational so it can genuinely meet the needs of local people.” 

Councillor Nathan Hartley (Peasedown), Liberal Democrat shadow cabinet member for children’s services, added: 

“It’s a disappointment that all members of the panel did not back my proposal to refer this important matter to full Council for consideration. I believe that big decisions like this, such as closing a school, need to be addressed by as many councillors as possible, from all political parties. 

“Despite that, I am pleased the panel saw sense to uphold the call-in, meaning the Cabinet needs to review its decision. It’s really important that before the Cabinet member decides finally he addresses some of the key concerns the Liberal Democrats have, such as the impact on public transport relocated pupils will have, and what hard evidence there is that the boys from Culverhay will do better in another school.”