Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the decision by Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council to refuse planning permission for the proposed Apollo Academy in Reedswood Park, Walsall; and what steps she plans to take following that decision.

The department is considering the implications of Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the proposed Windsor Apollo Academy. This includes considering the impact on the deliverability and timetable for the project, forecast demand for secondary school places in Walsall, and value for money.

No decision has yet been taken on the future of the project. The department continues to engage with Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council and Windsor Academy Trust while these matters are considered.