Worthing special needs school begins consultation on changes to pupil numbers

Plans have been put forward to reduce the number of post-16 places at Oak Grove College from 56 to 24, but increasing the capacity for pupils under the age of 16.

According to a spokesman for West Sussex County Council, the changes would better reflect attendance patterns at The Boulevard school.

If approved, the changes are expected to be completed by the start of the 2025/26 school year.

Nigel Jupp, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Providing all of our children and young people with a good start to their life is an important priority for us.

“The proposals we are consulting on have been designed to reflect the current needs of children and young people in West Sussex, and will help us to provide them with a good education.

“We greatly value your ideas and comments on these proposals, and urge you to respond to us with your views by taking part in the consultation.”

Two public meetings to discuss the proposals will be held at the college on September 22, at 2pm and 6pm.

Covid-19 restrictions mean only a maximum of 24 visitors will be allowed at each meeting, with one representative per family group.

Attendance at the meetings must be booked in advance by contacting [email protected]

The consultation will run from 7 September until 5 October. Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/oakgrove for more information and to take part.

Alternatively people who wish to respond can contact Oliver Lane-Smith by emailing [email protected] or calling 0330 222 3105.

Responses can also be submitted by filling out the form in the consultation booklet and returning it via your nearest school or by post to School Organisation Team, Ground Floor, Northleigh, Chichester, PO19 1RH.