Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2016 to Question 57842, when she plans to publish the estimated cost of closing Baverstock Academy.

The estimated costs of the closure form only one element of the decision, which will take into consideration both the risks involved and dependencies required to deliver each of the options, and the best and most sustainable strategy for delivering good or outstanding school places for every child in the local area. The listening period for the proposed closure of Baverstock Academy ends on 7 February. This provides the opportunity for the community and stakeholders to make their representation to the Secretary of State before she makes a final decision. The priority for the Secretary of State in making a decision about the future of Baverstock Academy will be to deliver the best educational outcomes for local children.