CONCERNS that consultation on plans to turn Oxford School into an academy could take place over the summer holidays have been allayed by Oxfordshire County Council.

Former school governor Larry Sanders, a member of the county council, told the city council’s East Area Parliament he understood the final decision would be made in August, preceded by six weeks consultation.

He said: “It's not the best time for a consultation. Despite the fact there has been a lot of hoo-ha, there has been very little rational discussion.

“We need calm discussion about what is an important decision about the future for our children and our neighbourhood.”

County council spokesman Louise Mendonca said no decision on timings had yet been made, but added: “Consultation planners are keen to ensure that the consultation periods don’t fall in the school holidays.”

She said consultation planning would begin as soon as the Government had approved the county continuing to look into the academy idea.

She said that would be followed by six weeks of informal consultation, with the county council consulting on closing Oxford School and sponsors CfBT consulting on plans for the new academy.

After that, a statutory notice period would be issued before six weeks of formal consultation, leading to a final decision by the council cabinet.

John Tanner, who is on the city and county council, said: “I think it would make sense to get the decision as quickly as we can because it is hugely important we have stability for the school.”

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk