didsbury high school

laurustrust.co.uk 26 January 18 of 18

Didsbury High School Proposed free school – opening September 2019

Report on Section 10 public consultation

6th November 2017-22nd December 2017


Contents

Executive summary ............................................................................................................... 3

The proposer group ............................................................................................................... 4

Initial phase ........................................................................................................................... 4

Statutory consultation ............................................................................................................ 6

Stakeholders ......................................................................................................................... 7

Statutory consultation results and responses ........................................................................ 9

Conclusion and next steps .................................................................................................. 18

Appendices:

Appendix 1 – Section 10 consultation information booklet

Appendix 2 – Consultation questionnaire

Appendix 3 – Promotional material

Appendix 4 – Stakeholders


Executive summary

Didsbury High School is a non-selective, non-denominational 11-18

secondary school in the pre-opening phase with a preferred opening date

of September 2019. The school will be part of the Laurus Trust, a multi-

academy trust that operates Cheadle Hulme High School and Gorsey

Bank Primary School. This report details the initial engagement with our

stakeholders as well as the formal Section 10 consultation.

Didsbury High School will provide outstanding teaching and a curriculum which develops

essential knowledge, attitudes, skills and habits, together with access to wide ranging

opportunities for subject enhancement. These will combine to ensure that every child at

Didsbury High School is in a position to make outstanding progress and open the door to the

future of their choice.

The initial engagement period with stakeholders began in February 2016 when the Laurus

Trust commenced discussions with Manchester City Council regarding the opening of a new

free school. John Edwards, former Director of Education at Manchester City Council

identified Didsbury as an area where basic need was at a critical level. The Council were

therefore fully supportive of the Trust’s bid which gained 1st stage approval in the Wave 11

free school round in September 2016.

The formal statutory consultation ran from 6th November 2017 to 22nd December 2017. The

consultation ran concurrently with a pre-planning application consultation with the local

community. The planning application was submitted in December 2017.

The local community has responded very positively throughout this period, however we

recognise the concerns raised by some about traffic and the perceived impact on

neighbouring schools. We would like to thank all those who have taken the time to give

feedback. Suggestions and comments have been considered, responded to in this

document and incorporated into our planning proposals.


The proposer group

The Laurus Trust is a multi-academy trust with Cheadle Hulme High School (“CHHS”), the

founder school, at its centre. CHHS is a hugely oversubscribed academy converter, a

Teaching School and has been judged Outstanding in every category by Ofsted in 2011 and

2015. In the 2017 Progress 8 Headline measure CHHS came in the top 3% of all schools

nationally and ranked 1st in the North West for fully comprehensive non-denominational state

schools in the Sunday Times Parent Power Survey.

An impressive 68% of our 2017 GCSE cohort achieved the gold standard of grade 5 or better

in English and Maths. The progress for disadvantaged students is a quarter of a grade higher

than the whole national cohort.

We have been supporting schools across Greater Manchester since 2012 when we first

gained our Teaching School status. This is through the deployment of our Specialist

Leaders of Education (SLEs) who share best practice and ideas with these schools in order

to raise overall attainment. To date we have supported 30 secondary schools across various

local authorities. In November 2017, our teacher training provider Altius Alliance was judged

Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted having “developed a clear vision for excellence producing

outstanding secondary teachers in the English Baccalaureate subjects”.

Our vision

For everyone regardless of background or circumstance to be inspired, to thrive in

all environments, to recognise what it takes to succeed, to set aspirational goals and

work hard to achieve them.

The vision is shared across all schools in the Laurus Trust and is reflected in every aspect of

school life.

Initial phase

The Laurus Trust were informed of their successful bid to open a new free school in

September 2016. In deciding to submit a bid the Trust undertook various stakeholder

discussions.

Methods used to reach stakeholders in advance of the formal consultation included:

Extensive discussions with the Local Authority, including the Director of Education.

At these meetings Manchester CC indicated full support for the free school due to the

need for additional school places.

Meetings with Manchester councillors in Spring 2017.


Meetings with local businesses and the West Didsbury Residents Association.

Meetings with headteachers of local primary schools.

A dedicated free school website: www.didsburyhighschool.org.uk

A twitter feed: @DidsburyHigh

A Facebook page for Didsbury High School.

The ESFA informed the Laurus Trust of the preferred site for the proposed new school in

January 2017.

http://www.didsburyhighschool.org.uk/


Statutory consultation

The statutory section 10 consultation commenced on 6th November 2017 and ran for 7

weeks to 22nd December 2017.

Information provided to stakeholders took the following forms:

1. Public consultation booklet (please see Appendix 1). This booklet was made

available in digital and printed form and detailed the Proposer Group, key individuals,

the vision, ethos and proposal for the new school and key information on the

consultation process. It also provided information on how stakeholders could give

feedback as well as come to face to face meetings to have their questions answered

and share their views.

2. Laurus Trust and Didsbury High School websites carried information about the

proposed school, the consultation process, a downloadable consultation booklet as

well as an online questionnaire to complete.

3. 16,000 leaflets were distributed to residents in the Didsbury area highlighting the

consultation drop-in events on 23rd and 30th November. Digital versions of the leaflet

were circulated to parents by Beaver Road, Cavendish, Old Moat, Didsbury CE, West

Didsbury CE and St Wilfred’s Primary Schools.

4. Emails sent to headteachers of primary and secondary schools and colleges in

Manchester detailing information about the consultation events and a link to a digital

version of the consultation booklet.

5. Consultation meetings. The Head of School Designate and other senior Laurus Trust

staff attended events at the Siemens building on the evening of 23rd November and at

the Albert Club on the morning of 30th November. Various presentations were shown

about the Trust and our existing schools and c350 people attended both events.

6. Meeting with local ward councillors on 22nd November. 18 councillors were invited to

events at both Cheadle Hulme High School (am) and the Siemens building (pm) to

meet senior Trust staff and view our proposals.

7. Meeting with headteachers, staff and parents at local primary schools: Beaver Road,

Cavendish and Old Moat in November 2017. Meeting with a trustee of West

Didsbury CE Primary school on 22nd November.

8. Meetings and telephone conversations with local businesses and community groups.

9. Regular Facebook and Twitter updates throughout the consultation period reminding

stakeholders of the consultation.

(See the appendices for further information on the above)


Stakeholders

A wide range of stakeholders were consulted including:

Local parents and carers;

Local residents;

Headteachers, governors and staff at Manchester primary and secondary schools;

18 Manchester councillors whose wards were in the vicinity of the proposed school;

Relevant employees of Manchester CC

Local community groups.

Further details are provided in Appendix 4.

The following page details the multiple methods of consultation deployed across the wide

range of stakeholders.


Stakeholder Method of consultation deployed Key dates Responses

Parents/Carers of prospective

students

Email announcement sent to all those who had registered interest (205).

Consultation booklet and online questionnaire available on website.

Two public consultation events.

16,000 leaflets put through letterboxes in West Didsbury / Didsbury/

Withington area.

Email reminders sent to the mailing list ahead of the events, as well as social

media announcements.

23/11/17 and

30/11/17

124 questionnaire responses.

About 350 attendees at the events.

Twitter: 15 tweets with a total of 20,820 impressions and 1,464

engagements (retweets, likes, follows etc.).

Facebook: 17 posts with a total reach of 5,344 people and 170

likes, comments and shares.

Local residents Email announcement sent to all those who had registered interest.


Two public consultation events.

16,000 leaflets put through letterboxes in West Didsbury / Didsbury/

Withington area.

Email reminders sent to the mailing list ahead of the events, as well as social

media announcements.

23/11/17 and

30/11/17

25 questionnaire responses describing themselves as a local

resident, 102 questionnaire responses from people living

within 1 mile of the site of the proposed school.

About 350 attendees at the events.

Elected members Emails sent announcing the consultation period.


Two events on 22/11/17 specifically for councillors.

22/11/17 No questionnaire feedback received from elected members but

3 councillors did attend the events.

Manchester City Council Emails sent announcing the consultation period.


Two public consultation meetings.

23/11/17 and

30/11/17

1 questionnaire response from a Local Authority employee.

No other responses received to the consultation. As

previously stated, Manchester CC has been kept informed of

the proposals through regular meetings.

Headteachers of local primary

and secondary schools

Emails sent announcing the consultation period.


Two public consultation meetings.

Various meetings with primary headteachers in the vicinity of the proposed

school.

23/11/17 and

30/11/17

4 questionnaire responses from staff or governors at local

schools.

Local community groups and

business owners/employees

Emails sent announcing the consultation period.


Two public consultation meetings. Individual meetings.

23/11/17 and

30/11/17

2 questionnaire responses from local business

owners/employees.

Numerous email correspondence and follow up meetings with

The Wood School (Paupers Wood), RXGym and the West

Didsbury Residents Association.


Statutory consultation results and responses

144 consultation questionnaire responses were received, 70 by hand (at consultation events)

and 74 online.

Replies to the 5 questions asked were as follows:

1. What best describes you?

2. Where do you live in relation to the proposed site?

114

14

94 111

Respondent Parent/carer

Local resident

Parent/carer and local resident

Member of staff or governor ata local school

Parent / carer / local resident /local business owner

Local Authority employee andGrandmother

Local resident / local businessemployee

71%

28%

1%

Within 1 mile

Within 3 miles

Greater that 3 miles


3. Do you agree that opening the proposed Didsbury High School will

provide extra choice for parents and meet a need to provide

additional school places in Manchester?

4. Do you agree that the vision and curriculum plan of Didsbury High

School meets the needs of the community?

94%

2% 4%

Yes

No

Unsure

92%

1%6%

Yes

No

Unsure


5. Should the Laurus Trust enter into a Funding Agreement with the

Secretary of State for Education in order to open this school?

6. What community facilities would you like to see?

134 respondents out of 144 answered this question, providing the following

suggestions for community use:

“Other services” suggestions included adult evening classes and community groups

use such as music, dance and gymnastics lessons. Some respondents suggested

the students get involved in volunteering with local charities.

86%

1%

13%

Yes

No

Unsure

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Sports Facilities Auditorium andclassrooms

Other services

Community use suggestions


Our response:

We were pleased with the number of responses we had to the consultation questionnaire

and that, for each question posed, there was a significant majority in favour. Of the 144

respondents, 115 responded ‘yes’ to all three questions. It was the compulsory question 5

relating to the funding agreement which received the highest “unsure” response of 13%

predominantly as respondents did not know what this meant.

We are committed to ensuring the community will benefit from our facilities but recognise that

due to the limitation of the outdoor space, this will predominantly be use of our indoor

facilities.

All respondents had the opportunity to provide further comments to their answers.

Positive comments

The following chart reflects the points made in optional comments:

Sample comments:

“Having struggled to gain a place at our nearest primary school 0.5 miles from our home I

entirely recognise a need for additional secondary places.”

Parent / Carer

“In West Didsbury, we are too far away from Parrs Wood and to get to our nearest school in

Chorlton requires crossing a dual carriageway. The new school is ideally located for families

in West Didsbury and will encourage walking to school rather than clogging up the roads

getting children to Parrs Wood / Chorlton High as is now the case.”

Parent / Carer

“We need a very good academic high school in the area with high standards.”

Parent / Carer

0

5

10

15

20

25

Need for additionalschool places in local

area

Ethos and vision Smaller than other localsecondary schools

Children will be able towalk to school

Reasons given for supporting the school


“This looks a very comprehensive curriculum.”

Parent / Carer

“There is a desperate need for a new high school in this area. When my daughter started

reception in 2012 the local primary school had to increase its number of classes in order to

provide places for all the children. These children will now be starting secondary school in

2019. There is a secondary school in Chorlton and one in East Didsbury but nothing in

between for our area.”

Parent / Carer

“I like the ethos and aims of Didsbury High School as set out in the consultation document. I

would be very interested in applying for a place for my daughter. I think it fits the needs of our

local community.”

Parent / Carer

“Looks fantastic. Great focus on electronics and more progressive subject matter that will get

the kids up for success.”

Parent / Carer

“I think Manchester, particularly Didsbury is in need of a High School, however the need for

smaller sized schools would not only meet the needs of students but also students with

special needs too.”

Local resident

“This is a very community minded area and the school would be actively supported by local

residents.”

Parent / Carer

Our response:

The Laurus Trust’s vision to address the demand for places and replicate the outstanding

provision offered by the hugely oversubscribed Cheadle Hulme High School is central to our

proposal. It is helpful to know that many local parents/carers, residents and

teachers/governors appreciate that the proposed Didsbury High School will meet local need.


Negative comments

Of the 144 respondents, only 1 responded ‘no’ to all 3 questions.

The following table reflects the negative feedback received.

Sample comments:

“We already have enough schools for the catchment and this will only be to the detriment of

other schools.”

Parent / Carer living within 1 mile

“The proposal shows no evidence of any understanding of the catchment area. Why is a

Trust with no connection to the local community opening a high school here?”

Parent / Carer living within 3 miles

“Very concerned about traffic.”

Parent / Carer and Local resident within 1 mile

“There appears to be far too little outside space and subsequent sports provision.”

Local resident

“I was disappointed to see the board showing other schools in a negative light. You have

enough going for you without having to highlight the problems of your fellow professionals in

other schools, many of which have far more challenging catchment populations then you

have in Cheadle. You should be better than that!”

Parent / Carer and Local resident within 1 mile

0

5

10

Location notwhere need is

Threat toexisting local

schools

Traffic concerns Laurus Trust isunknown

Site too small Unhappy withthe way other

schoolspresented

Reasons given against the school


Our response:

Issue: Location not where need is

Manchester CC fully supports the opening of a new free school due to the shortage of school

places in Didsbury for children entering secondary education in September 2019 and

beyond. In recent years, Didsbury’s primary schools have increased their intake by 210

places to meet need. Ensuring residents have access to high quality schools within their

local area is central to Manchester City Council’s 2016 “Our Manchester” strategy. The

Education and Skills Funding Agency (“ESFA”) carried out a comprehensive site search

across Didsbury and this was the only site available that was large enough to accommodate

a 1,350 place secondary school.

Issue: Threat to other schools / Unhappy with the way we presented

other schools’ performance

The projected shortfall of places indicates that there will be sufficient student numbers to not

only accommodate an additional school but also maintain provision in other schools. In

September 2017, 5,988 children were offered a Year 7 place in a Manchester secondary

school. Projections for September 2019 suggest 7,151 children will require a Year 7 place1.

That is an additional 1,163 places of which Didsbury High School will provide 210. The

Council’s capital funding to expand existing schools, referred to as Basic Need Funding, is

limited. Therefore, new free schools need to be built, funded directly by the Department for

Education, and operated by approved providers such as the Laurus Trust.

As a Teaching School, Cheadle Hulme High School (“CHHS”) has a tradition of supporting

educational provision beyond its own classrooms. The Trust has a commitment to raising

educational standards and outcomes for all students, not only those in its own schools. We

are currently providing intensive support to a Manchester school covering teaching,

safeguarding, pastoral care, finance, HR, IT, careers guidance and arrangements for pupils

with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

“Leaders from Cheadle Hulme High School have transformed the effectiveness of leadership

and management throughout the school. They have left no stone unturned in their quest to

improve provision.”

Ofsted report, Manchester Creative Studio, November 2017

As a proposer group, the Laurus Trust felt it was necessary to highlight the performance of

our founder school CHHS against its peer group to stakeholders in Manchester so they

would be able to form a view on the Trust’s capability and competence in running high

performing schools. In fact, parents themselves had asked to see the performance of CHHS

1 Source: Manchester City Council, School Place Planning & Admissions Report, 5 September 2017


benchmarked against schools local to Didsbury. The data we used for both CHHS and

secondary schools in Manchester was Department for Education 2017 Key Stage 4

performance data publicly available at www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk and

presented using the Department for Education colour scheme (i.e. green for “well above

average”).

We recognise that the percentage of disadvantaged pupils at CHHS is lower than a lot of

other schools, however we would highlight that in 2017 our disadvantaged cohort achieved a

Progress 8 score of 0.22. This is two thirds of a grade higher than their peers nationally and

moreover significantly above the national cohort of all Year 11s.

Issue: Traffic

We are mindful of the concern of local residents and have responded to this by ensuring our

Admissions policy uses an oversubscription criterion of distance. This means that those

living nearest to the school have the greatest chance of a place thereby reducing the number

of vehicle journeys. We actively promote cycling and walking in our other schools and the

school site has the benefit of being close to excellent public transport links.

We have worked with Highways, the architects, contractors and stakeholders to ensure that

we provide the best possible solution, and we will continue to collaborate with students and

parents/carers to establish and deliver a robust travel plan. The plans for the school include

maximising the onsite parking provision that is determined by Manchester City Council (90

spaces) and parking provision for 144 cycles.

Issue: Laurus Trust has no connection to the local area

As previously mentioned, the Laurus Trust has worked closely with Manchester City Council

on our proposal for a new school in the Didsbury area, and we have also supported

Manchester based schools. Dr David Woolley, the head designate of Didsbury High School,

is a Didsbury resident who understands the educational needs of Didsbury. His family has

lived in the area for generations and have always been active members of the community.

Whilst we want Didsbury High School to replicate the outstanding CHHS, we also will be

tailoring our Electives programme specific to Didsbury’s needs. We recognise the strong

sense of community in the local area as well as the environmental awareness, and this has

been of significant focus in the design of the school building and outside space as well as the

curriculum.

Issue: Site too small

The site was procured by the ESFA and as such met their criteria for the area required to

accommodate the number of students proposed. We have worked with consultants on

maximising the outdoor space as much as possible with a large Multi-Use Games Area,

http://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/


resilient to the inclement Manchester weather, as well as incorporating an outdoor recreation

space for sixth formers on the terrace. We hope to also be able to use the excellent facilities

at the nearby Hough End Leisure Centre for competitive fixtures.

Other responses to the consultation

As well as the official questionnaire responses, the Trust has received some emails from

local businesses and community groups, specifically:

1. West Didsbury Residents Association. Their environment officer raised concerns

about trees, wild plants and wildlife that would be affected by the building, and the

Planning Officer queried the vehicle management arrangements.

2. The Wood School, operating from the next door Paupers Wood, raised concerns

about access, pollution (noise/light/traffic), intruders, environmental impact and the

size of the outdoor space.

3. RXGym based on the Boulevard, wanted reassurance that our proposed community

facilities would not affect their business or alternatively wanted to explore how

RXGym could possibly use the school facilities or even manage the site.

The above concerns were discussed in face to face meetings or telephone calls which all the

above parties appreciated. The issues raised by the Wood School and the West Didsbury

Residents Association continue to be considered as part of the planning application. As of

writing the following measures have been proposed:

Introduction of a new fence line boundary along Clearwater Drive and Paupers Wood

to encourage development of vegetation and to support wildlife habitat;

Additional selected planting along the boundary fence between Paupers Wood and

the proposed MUGA;

Relocation of existing bird boxes supplemented with new wildlife boxes around the

site;

Relocation of selected turves from within the site to areas where they can be retained

and encouraged to spread; and

Re-assessment of the external lighting strategy to minimise light overspill into areas

which may affect wildlife.

Stakeholders are able to view the more detailed response to these matters in the documents

submitted as part of the planning application at

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200074/planning/5865/planning_permission

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200074/planning/5865/planning_permission


Conclusion and next steps

There has been extensive ongoing consultation with a wide range of stakeholders since the

earliest stages of development of the proposal for the school. Feedback has been

predominantly supportive and positive.

We are confident our school will provide additional much needed places for parents/carers in

the local community we serve. This has been the most common response received from

those in support of the school. The Trust will now begin the process of agreeing a Funding

Agreement for Didsbury High School with the Secretary of State for Education.

We would like to thank all stakeholders who have taken the time to read and hear about our

plans and provide feedback. We will continue to work with you to consider further feedback

about the development of the school and to address concerns raised.

Didsbury High SchoolSection 10 Consultation

Unashamedly Academic

staff.masonw

Typewritten Text

Appendix 1 - Consultation information booklet

WelcomeWe are delighted that our proposed secondary free school, Didsbury High School, has progressed to the pre-opening phase. We are now required to undertake a public consultation. Didsbury High School will be located on a site off Princess Road, between the Siemens building and One Didsbury Point (subject to planning permission). The preferred opening date is September 2019 for 210 Year 7 students, growing year on year to full capacity of 1,050 students. In addition to this the school will have a sixth form of 300 students. The school will replicate the outstanding provision offered by the Laurus Trust founding school, Cheadle Hulme High School (CHHS) in Stockport, which is hugely oversubscribed and recently named in the Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ top 25 comprehensive schools in the country. The demand for places sees CHHS as one of the ten most over-subscribed schools across the whole of Greater Manchester. We look forward to listening to your views, in order to provide parents/carers and the community we serve with the best school possible.

Linda MagrathCEO, Laurus Trust

1 2

Linda MagrathExecutive Headteacher,

Cheadle Hulme High School

With a 35 year career in education, Linda has been Headteacher at Cheadle Hulme High School for 13 years, overseeing two outstanding Ofsted judgements. She is also an experienced National Leader of Education.

3

David WoolleyHead of School,

Didsbury High School

David is currently a Deputy Headteacher at Cheadle Hulme High School and prior to this has taught for over a decade in Manchester. He is a Specialist Leader of Education committed to providing the very best education for his students. David is very excited about Didsbury High School.

Our vision For everyone regardless of background or circumstance to be inspired, to thrive in all environments, to recognise what it takes to succeed, to set aspirational goals and work hard to achieve them.

This vision is shared across all schools within the Laurus Trust and is reflected in every aspect of school life. It is embodied in the Cornerstones which underpin our work.

3 4

The Laurus Trust Cornerstones

5

Our vision is for all of our students, regardless of background and circumstance, to make outstanding progress and achieve grades which will open the door to the future of their choice. We want our students to be curious and develop a thirst for knowledge; we want them to be resilient and to value effort; we want them to understand that sometimes failure is an essential part of the learning process and to recognise that developing a positive, ‘can do’ attitude will help them to set and achieve aspirational goals.

Alongside our high aspirations for academic success, we passionately believe in the importance of education in its broadest sense and we will ensure the fullest possible participation in art, music and drama. We want our students to appreciate that great writing gives us access to ideas which challenge our thinking; that the power of language gives us the opportunity to make our voice heard and present our own ideas with courage, conviction and impact; that the Arts open up worlds which we might not otherwise inhabit. We will ensure that students from all backgrounds are able to discover new talents and interests and develop existing ones.

We believe that physical activity and competition, both inter and intra school, are vital to the holistic development of young people, fostering their physical, social and emotional health. We want our students to approach competition with optimism and vitality; to relish the opportunity to demonstrate determination, creativity and perseverance in order to overcome challenges; to understand that hard work and commitment lead to a greater chance of success and that obstacles are temporary but achievement lasts for a lifetime.

We value individuality, celebrate diversity and encourage our students to have the confidence to think for themselves, whilst emphasising the importance of tolerance, teamwork and collective responsibility. We place great importance on both leadership and participation and encourage students from all backgrounds to take on roles of responsibility and engage in School and House activities. By the time they leave us, we want each student to have that true sense of self worth which will enable them to make wise choices, stand up for what is right and what they believe in and, in doing so, be of value to society.

Leadership and ServiceCompet i t ion & P hysicalEndeavour

Academic Aspirat ion

Culture, Creat ivi ty & Rhetoric

Leadership & Service

Laurus Trust | Name of event

What can you expect from Didsbury High School?We are unashamedly academic. We will provide outstanding teaching and a curriculum which develops essential knowledge, attitudes, skills and habits, together with access to wide ranging opportunities for subject enhancement. These will combine to ensure that every child at Didsbury High School is in a position to make outstanding progress and open the door to the future of their choice.

Our key belief is that the all-round educational attainment of individual students is substantially promoted by their participation in a whole range of activities, not just classroom based academic ones. The Electives programme will deliver this vision and will form part of the curriculum and the formal school day.

Training in the use of oracy, discourse and rhetoric (the Cicero Curriculum), and performing arts generally, will inspire confidence and enhance the presentation skills of the students.

Other extra-curricular activities, together with regular sport and exercise, and a sense of competitive spirit, will increase personal well-being, health and concentration levels.

We will also promote team building skills, leadership, and a passion to perform to the best of one’s ability in all disciplines. These higher levels of individual betterment will be achieved across all ability levels through a wide scope of activities.

Leadership is a skill to be learned and cultivated. Students will learn about the importance of success, and how to cope with setbacks, not as failure but as a springboard to better achievement.

There will be a focus on developing presentation skills and self-confidence in general. Inspiring students to broaden their horizons and believe that ‘anything is possible’, is absolutely key to post-education success.

65

cheadlehulmeprimary.org.uk Page 3

7

Patsy Rodenburg OBEPatsy Rodenburg, OBE, is a British Voice Coach, Author, and Theatre Director. She is the Head of Voice at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Patsy is working with the Laurus Trust as a consultant for the delivery of the Cicero Curriculum.

The academic success of the Laurus Trust founding school, Cheadle Hulme High School placed it in the top 3% of schools nationally in 2017. Indeed in 2017 CHHS achieved significantly more gold standard (5+) GCSEs in English and Mathematics than any school in South Manchester, Tameside and Stockport. However its success is not limited to 11-16. Its Ofsted Outstanding Sixth Form received matching outstanding results. An impressive 70% of A-Level grades were A*-B and over 40% of students attained three grades at A*-B. Over half of its students are progressing to the prestigious Russell Group Universities. Students will be studying a wide range of degree subjects, from more traditional disciplines such as Medicine, Languages, Sciences and Law to the creative routes which include Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design and Fine Art.

We are consulting with architects and designing a brand new, state of the art building that supports our curriculum and opens up a wealth of exciting possibilities. The Auditorium will not only provide a wonderful space for plays and concerts but will also allow us to engage in formal debating in a suitably professional and imposing environment. Similarly, the Sports Hall will be equipped to the highest standard and students will have access to well designed and carefully planned outdoor areas. Our silent study centre will provide a calm environment for individual study and access to computers. The Sixth Form will be on a separate floor with access to a roof terrace.

We want our school to be at the heart of the community and as such would plan to make facilities such as the Sports Hall available for use out of school hours.

Paul DickovPaul Dickov is a former professional footballer and manager who has played for Arsenal and Manchester City as well as achieving ten international caps for Scotland. He is working with Laurus Trust students and staff as a coach and mentor.


Example Timetable

87

There will be an additional 750 year 7 students in Manchester in 2019 compared with 2017*. Didsbury High School will not only address this demand for places but will also replicate the outstanding provision of Cheadle Hulme High School, for the young people in the area. To ensure that our students fully benefit from a Laurus Education and are able to open the door to the future of their choice we will also, in time, open a 300 place sixth form on site. This will allow us to deliver an outstanding education from 11 to 18 as we have done at Cheadle Hulme High School.* Source: Children and young people scrutiny committee report, 5th Sept 2017.

Why does Manchester need a new secondary school?

Anticipating that local residents may be concerned about the potential increase in traffic in the vicinity of the new school, the Trust is developing a detailed strategy with Highways Officers at Manchester City Council. A comprehensive and robust Transport Assessment and Travel Plan will be submitted in support of our planning application.

Please note that this consultation is not related to any building or planning applications surrounding the new school; it is solely to consult on whether appropriate persons support the Trust to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State for Education to run Didsbury High School. The consultation on the design plans is running concurrently and stakeholders have an opportunity to see and comment on the plans at the drop in events highlighted on page 11.

9


The admission policy, detailing how people can apply, how places will be allocated in the event of oversubscription, and how people can appeal against any decisions can be found on our website (www.didsburyhighschool.org.uk/admissions).

More information about the School Admissions Code can be found on the Government website (www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-admissions-code--2).

If you are interested in a future Year 7 place at Didsbury High School, please visit our website (www.didsburyhighschool.org.uk) to register your interest. Registering an interest will mean that you are updated with details of upcoming open events and any other important

admissions information. Please note that registering your interest does not mean that you have applied for a place at Didsbury High School.

If you would like to see our vision and values in action then please contact us to arrange a tour of the Laurus Trust founding school, Cheadle Hulme High School with the Head of School of Didsbury High School, David Woolley.

Admissions process

9 10

We would like to hear from all the community in the coming weeks to help inform the Secretary of State for Education’s decision on whether to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Laurus Trust.

We want to listen to your comments and act on any feedback to ensure our School is the best it can be and meets the needs of the community we serve. You can give us feedback in a number of ways:

• Visit our website at • www.didsburyhighschool.org.

uk and complete the online consultation questionnaire, or return by email to [email protected] or by post to Laurus Trust, Free School Consultation, Cheadle Hulme High School, Woods Lane, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7JY

• Follow our twitter feed • @DidsburyHigh and join in the

conversation or visit our Facebook page Didsbury High School.

• Attend one of the public drop-in events we are holding:

• a) Thursday 23rd November, 5.30pm-7.30pm at Siemens, Sir William Siemens House, Princess Rd, Manchester M20 2UR

• b) Thursday 30th November 2017, 10am-12pm at The Albert Club, 39-41 Old Lansdowne Rd, Manchester M20 2PA

We will record all views that are shared with us during the formal consultation window which runs between Monday 6th

November and Friday 22nd December.

If you are interested in applying for a school place or would like to hear more about how you can support us, please do get in touch.

The consultation process

11


11 12

13

Achievements of the sister school Cheadle Hulme High School

0

Government accountability measuring

pupils across eight key subjects 2017

UK Top 3%Most Sought After Schools

in Greater Manchester 2016

Top 10

Parent Power Survey 2016Top secondary

comprehensive state schools

25th in the UK


13 14

Laurus Trust Cheadle Hulme High School Woods Lane, Cheadle Hulme SK8 7JY

laurustrust.co.uk LaurusTrust laurustrust

6th November 2017

Didsbury High School - Section 10 Consultation

As part of the process of opening a Free School, the Department for Education require a

consultation* under Section 10 of the Academies Act 2010. This enables local residents, staff

and governors from local schools, parents, councillors, community groups and any other

interested parties to share their views.

The consultation period for Didsbury High School will run from 6th November 2017 to 22nd

December 2017. This is an important step in our journey to opening in September 2019. We

are looking forward to listening to your views in order to provide you with the best school

possible.

We would be grateful if you could respond to this consultation by filling in this questionnaire.

The questionnaire is available to submit online via our website www.didsburyhighschool.org.uk

Alternatively please complete this form and submit via email to [email protected] or

via post to:

The Laurus Trust

Free School Consultation


Woods Lane

Cheadle Hulme

Cheshire

SK8 7JY

*Please note this consultation is not related to any building or planning applications surrounding

the new school; it is solely to consult on whether appropriate persons support the Laurus Trust

to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State for Education to run Didsbury

High School. A further consultation on the building and site layout will run concurrently and give

you the opportunity to provide feedback ahead of the planning application process.

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Appendix 2 - Consultation Questionnaire

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Questionnaire – Didsbury High School Consultation

Thank you very much for completing this form. We welcome

your views in order to provide the best school possible.

1. About You: Which of the following best describes

you?

Parent / carer

Member of staff or governor at a local school

Elected member

Local resident

Local business owner

Local business employee

Local Authority employee

Other (please state):

2. Where do you live, approximately, in relation to

the proposed site (off Princess Road M20 2EA)

for Didsbury High School?

Within 1 mile

Within 3 miles

Greater than 3 miles

3. Do you agree that opening the proposed

Didsbury High School will provide extra choice

for parents and meet a need to provide additional

school places in Manchester? (please select one)

Yes

No

Unsure

Please provide comments and feedback:

4. Do you agree that the vision and curriculum plan

of Didsbury High School meets the needs of the

community? (please select one)

Yes

No

Unsure


5. Should the Laurus Trust enter into a Funding

Agreement with the Secretary of State for

Education in order to open this school? (please

select one)

It is the central government who are funding the

building of this new school. In order for the school to

open it will need to sign a contract (called a Funding

Agreement) with the Department for Education

Yes

No

Unsure


6. We want the school to be an important part of the

local community. Are there any services you

would like the school to offer the local

community (please select – more than one is

possible)?

Use of sports facilities

Use of rooms/auditorium

Any other services? Suggestions:

Supplementary information (not compulsory)

If you would like us to stay in touch with you, provide details

about the outcome of the consultation and the latest

developments with our school, please provide contact details

below

Your Name:

Your Address:

Your Email Address:

If you are interested in applying for a place at the school,

please complete the Register Interest form on the website,

www.didsburyhighschool.org.uk

If you have a particular question please email

[email protected]

Thank you for completing the consultation.

Appendix 3 – Promotional material Didsbury website

Twitter

Facebook

Flyer delivered to 16,000 local residents

Appendix 4 - Stakeholders

Stakeholders sent details of the consultation by email

Name Details

Joanne Roney Chief Executive, Manchester CC

Amanda Corcoran Interim Director of Education, Manchester CC

Paul Marshall Director of Children’s Services, Manchester CC

Michelle Devine Interim Head of Access, Manchester CC

Isobel Booler Senior Schools Quality Assurance Officer, and Interim Safeguarding and Inclusion Lead, Manchester CC

Julie Hicklin Lead for SEND, Manchester CC

Schools and Colleges located in Manchester as follows:

Abbott Community Primary School

All Sainst CofE Primary School

All Saints Primary School

Armitage CofE Primary School

Ashbury Meadow Primary School

Ashgate Specialist Support Primary School

Barlow Hall Primary School

Beaver Road Primary School

Beis Ruchel Girls School

Benchill Primary School

Bowker Vale Primary School

Bridge College

Bright Futures Education Trust

Briscoe Lane Academy

Broad Oak Primary School

Broadhurst Primary School

Brookburn Primary School

Buglawton Hall School

Burnage Academy for Boys

Button Lane Primary School

Camberwell Park Specialist Support School

Cavendish Primary School

Cedar Mount Academy

Chapel Street Primary School

Charlestown Primary School

Cheetham CofE Community Academy

Cheetwood Primary School

Chetham's School

Chorlton CofE Primary School

Chorlton High School

Chorlton Park Primary School

Christ the King RC Primary School

Claremont Primary School

Connell Sixth Form College

Co-operative College

Cravenwood Primary Academy

Crossacres Primary School

Crowcroft Park Primary School

Crumpsall Lane Primary School

Didsbury CofE Primary School

E-ACT Blackley Academy

Eden Boys' Leadership Academy

Eden Girls' Leadership Academy

Grange School

Green End Primary School

Harpurhey Alternative Provision School

Haveley Hey Community School

Heald Place Primary School

Holy Name RC Primary School

Holy Trinity CofE Primary School

Irk Valley Community School

Kassim Darwish Grammar School for Boys

King David High School

King of Kings School

Lancasterian School

Levenshulme High School

Lily Lane Primary School

Longsight Community Primary School

Loreto High School

Loreto College

Manchester Academy

Manchester Communication Academy

Manchester Creative Studio

Manchester Creative Studio

Manchester Enterprise Academy

Manchester Grammar School

Manchester Health Academy

Manchester High School for Girls

Manchester Hospital School

Manchester Islamic High School for Girls

Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Muslim Prep School

Manchester Secondary Pupil Referral Unit

Manchester Settlement

Manchester Young Lives

Manley Park Primary School

Mauldeth Road Primary School

Meade Hill School

Medlock Primary School

Melland High School

Moor Allerton School

Moston Fields Primary School

Moston Lane Community Primary School

Mount Carmel RC Primary School

New Islington Free School

New Moston Primary School

Newall Green High School

Northenden Community School

Oasis Academy Harpur Mount

Old Hall Drive Academy

Old Moat Primary School

Oswald Road Primary School

Park View Community School

Parrs Wood High School

Pike Fold Community Primary School

Piper Hill High School

Plymouth Grove Primary School

Rack House Primary School

Ravensbury Community School

Church of England School of the Resurrection

Rodney House

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School (Baguley)

Sandilands Primary School

Saviour CofE Primary School

SOL Academy

Southern Cross

St Ambrose RC Primary School

St Andrews CofE Primary School

St Anne's RC Primary School (Ancoats)

St Anne's RC Primary School (Crumpsall)

St Augustine's CofE Primary School

St Bedes College

St Bernard's RC Primary School

St Catherine's RC Primary School

St Clare's RC Primary School

St Cuthbert's RC Primary School

St Edmund's RC Primary School

St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School

St James' CofE Primary School (Rusholme)

St John Bosco RC Primary School

St John Chrysostom Federation

St John's RC Primary School

St Kentigern's RC Primary School

St Malachy's RC Primary School

St Margaret Mary's RC Primary School

St Margaret's CofE Primary School (Whalley Range)

St Mary's CofE Primary School (Moss Side)

St Mary's CofE Primary School (Moston)

St Mary's RC Primary School (Levenshulme)

St Matthew's Roman Catholic High School

St Paul's CofE Primary School

St Peter's Catholic Primary School

St Peter's RC High School

St Wilfrids CofE Primary School (Northenden)

St Wilfrid's Primary RC Primary School (Hulme)

St Willibrord's RC Primary School

Stanley Grove Primary Academy

The Birches School

The Co-operative Academy of Manchester

The Dean Trust

The Divine Mercy RC Primary School

Together Trust

Transforming Lives for Good

Trinity High School

Unity Community Primary

Varna Community Primary School

Webster Primary School

West Didsbury CE Primary School

Whalley Range 11-18 High School

Wilbraham Primary School

William Hulme Grammar School

Withington Girls' School

Wright Robinson College

Xaverian College

Elected members:

John Hacking Chorlton Councillor

Matt Strong Chorlton Councillor

Sheila Newman Chorlton Councillor

Mandie Shilton Godwin Chorlton Park Councillor

Dave Rawson Chorlton Park Councillor

Joanna Midgley Chorlton Park Councillor

James Wilson Didsbury East Councillor

Kelly Simcock Didsbury East Councillor

Andrew Simcock Didsbury East Councillor

David Ellison Didsbury West Councillor

John Leech Didsbury West Councillor

Josie Teubler Didsbury West Councillor

Andrew Fender Old Moat Councillor

Garry Bridges Old Moat Councillor

Suzannah Reeves Old Moat Councillor

Chris Paul Withington Councillor

Chris Wills Withington Councillor

Rebecca Moore Withington Councillor

205 Registered interested parents / carers

Local Community Groups:

Didsbury Civic Society

St James and Emmanuel Church

Didsbury Mosque

Mary Maclachlan at The Wood School (Paupers Wood)

Schools Outreach, Manchester Metropolitan University

West Didsbury Residents’ Association

Didsbury Traders Association

Christ Church, West Didsbury

East Didsbury Methodist Church

Didsbury United Reform Church

Laurus Trust


Woods Lane, Cheadle Hulme

Cheadle, SK8 7JY

laurustrust.co.uk

didsbury high school

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