(1)The governing body of a grant-maintained school shall not discontinue the school except in pursuance of proposals published and approved under this section.
(2)Where the governing body of such a school—
(a)decide by a resolution passed at a meeting of that body (“W”) to publish proposals under this section for the discontinuance of the school and confirm that decision by a resolution (“W”) passed at a subsequent meeting of that body held not less than twenty-eight days after that at which the first resolution was passed; and
(b)give notice in writing of the second resolution to the local education authority for the area in which the school is situated;
they may within the period of six months beginning with the date of the second resolution publish proposals for that purpose in such manner as may be required by regulations made by the Secretary of State and shall submit to him a copy of the published proposals.
(3)The notice required by subsection (2)(b) above shall be given as soon as practicable after the passing of the resolution to which it refers.
(4)The published proposals—
(a)shall specify the proposed date of discontinuance of the school; and
(b)shall be accompanied by a statement—
(i)indicating whether or not any proposals with respect to the establishment of a new school on the premises of the school have been published under section 12 or 13 of the 1980 Act (which relate respectively to county schools and voluntary schools); and
(ii)explaining the effect of subsection (5) below.
(5)Before the end of the period of two months beginning with the date of publication of the proposals, any of the following may submit objections to the Secretary of State—
(a)any ten or more local government electors;
(b)the governing body of any school affected by the proposals; and
(c)any local education authority concerned.
(6)The Secretary of State may reject any proposals under this section, approve them without modification or, after consultation with the governing body, approve them with the substitution of a different date for the date of discontinuance proposed.
(7)If the Secretary of State approves proposals under this section with respect to a grant-maintained school—
(a)the governing body of the school shall cease to conduct the school; and
(b)the Secretary of State’s duty to maintain the school shall cease;
on the date of discontinuance specified in the proposals as approved or on any other date subsequently specified by the Secretary of State at the request of the governing body (whether in substitution for the date specified in the proposals as approved or in substitution for a date previously specified under this subsection).