A public consultation for the potential closure of College Hall Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) at the end of the current academic year, started on Monday 11 March. The consultation is open to all Bracknell Forest residents and will run until Wednesday 24 April.
This consultation comes following the College Hall Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) Management Committee advising the Department for Education (DfE) that it considers the school to be no longer financially viable. Additionally, College Hall was deemed inadequate by Ofsted during its inspection in July 2023, citing poor outcomes for children and young people.
The council has been speaking to parents, carers and headteachers who agree that College Hall PRU no longer meets the needs of children and young people in the borough.
Cllr Roy Bailey, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said:
“In December 2023, the College Hall management committee agreed that the provision was no longer financially viable. Prior to a decision to proceed to a formal public consultation, the council has contacted key stakeholders, including parents of College Hall pupils, to make sure all interested parties had the opportunity to have their say on the proposal.
“Following the public consultation period, if the closure is agreed, it is hoped the finances allocated to College Hall PRU will be better used to enhance the overall educational provision for children in the local area, including a new social, emotional, mental health (SEMH) school. This aligns with our vision for children and young people to achieve their full potential in their early years, at school and in college and lead happy and fulfilled lives. Further information will be available in due course.”
There are currently 27 students at the PRU and if the closure is agreed, steps will be taken to make sure a smooth educational transition is put in place for them. Year 11 students will complete their education at College Hall, with personalised plans for post-16 education.
Support will be provided to reintegrate students into the most appropriate provision to meet their educational needs.
Public consultation events will be held on Thursday 28 March, at 10am and 5pm at the Open Learning Centre, Rectory Lane, Bracknell, RG12 7GR.
Read the full proposal on our College Hall Pupil Referral Unit consultation page.
