Section 6A to the Education and Inspections Act 2006 places the Local Authority under a duty to seek proposals to establish an academy/free school where there is a need for a new school.
Devon is an area of growth with approximately 80,000 new homes planned over the next 15-20 years. The Education Infrastructure Plan 2013-2031 sets out the County’s strategic objectives, methodology, policies and principles for meeting the needs of Devon’s children.
In South Hams a new Community is being established at Sherford which is likely to see growth to 5,500 dwellings by 2026 and potentially a further 1,500 dwellings post 2026. The following will be required:
420 primary places with early years provision potentially to be open by September 2018, subject to rate of development.
UPDATE: Ivybridge Academy Trust has been given Secretary of State approval to sponsor the proposed new primary academy in Sherford under section 6A of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (the ‘free school presumption’). The school will be called Sherford Vale Primary School.