151 Alteration of minimum number by funding authority.E+W
(1)If an order under section 12(1) of this Act applies to the area of a local education authority, the funding authority may give a direction under subsection (2) below to the governing body of a grant-maintained school in the area.
(2)A direction under this subsection—
(a)may increase the approved admission number for any relevant age group to such number as may be specified in the direction for any school year specified in the direction beginning after the date of the direction, and
(b)if any alteration would be required to the premises of the school in consequence of any increase in any approved admission number made by the direction, shall give particulars of the alteration.
(3)No direction may be given under subsection (2) above which would have the effect of requiring such an increase in the number of pupils to be admitted to the school as would constitute a significant change in the character of the school or involve a significant enlargement of the premises of the school.
(4)Before deciding to give a direction under subsection (2) above the funding authority shall consult the governing body about the proposed content of the direction.
(5)Before giving a direction under subsection (2) above the funding authority shall serve a draft of the proposed direction on the governing body.
(6)A governing body on which a draft is served under subsection (5) above may, within the period of fifteen days beginning with the day on which it was served, refer the matter to the Secretary of State and, if they do so, shall inform the funding authority.
(7)On a reference under subsection (6) above the Secretary of State may—
(a)require the funding authority not to give any direction in terms of the draft, or
(b)authorise the funding authority to give a direction in such terms, or those terms as required to be modified by the Secretary of State,
and any direction given by the funding authority shall be in the terms authorised under paragraph (b) above.
(8)Where the funding authority give a direction under this section—
(a)if any particulars are specified in pursuance of subsection (2)(b) above, the governing body shall secure the alteration of the school premises in accordance with the particulars, and
(b)the funding authority shall make a grant to them of an amount equal to the reasonable expenses incurred or to be incurred in doing so.