School organisation plan

Each Local Education Authority (LEA ) must prepare and consult on a School Organisation Plan (SOP ) for their area.

The SOP sets out how the LEA plans to meet its statutory duty to secure sufficient education provision within the area, and how it will support the government's agenda to increase diversity, encourage collaboration, promote community cohesion and raise standards.

The SOP should help the key stakeholders - LEA, diocesan authorities, schools, promoters, parents and local communities - to understand what school places are needed at present and in the future, and how they will be provided. The SOP covers a period of five academic years. A new plan should be produced in 2008 and thereafter every 3 years as a minimum.