Academies: Sponsorship

Mr. Keetch
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what consultation his Department undertook prior to the clawback of £260,295 funding from The Hereford Academy; if he will review the decision to implement the funding clawback; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Coaker
As with maintained schools, funding for academies is primarily based on pupil numbers. The funding agreement for The Hereford Academy provides for a clawback of funding should actual pupil numbers fall short of funded numbers by more than 2.5 per cent.

Following consultation with The Hereford Academy, it was decided to apply a clawback over an extended period by reducing monthly payments through to August 2011, so as to reduce the impact. The academy has replied seeking a reduction in the amount to be clawed back; this case is currently being considered. In the meantime a clawback has not been put into effect.