West Wight School Places

Steve Cowley says smaller good schools like Yarmouth Primary will still deliver a good education where they are supported socially and financially by local communities

The closure is being proposed due to a significant decline in pupil numbers at the school and significant surplus schools places within the West Wight area

The council say the recommendations now being taken forward are "felt to provide the best opportunity to secure long-term educational and financial stability for West Wight families and schools"

After the earlier withdrawal of plans to close at least one school in the West Wight, they are back on the table and will be voted on next week.

Cllr Brading said he did not expect the news of the Governors decision to be in the public domain, but that they can do what they want.

In a letter sent to parents, governors said they had come to the decision following 'frank conversations' and 'a very painful meeting' with Isle of Wight Council representatives.

One of the campaigners said they still have confidence in the governors to maintain as their primary concern the welfare, progress and outcomes of the pupils by opposing the proposal to relocate Yarmouth Primary School.

Steve Cowley says parents cannot plan their children's education and schools are blighted by conflicting messages coming out of the Isle of Wight council.

Cllr Brading said the council was committed to achieving six key aims — including reducing the number of schools in the area from five to four.

Cllr Brading says discussions are ongoing and an update report will be delivered to the Cabinet next week.

To avoid the legal costs of taking the matter to court, the council is now exploring other options.