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West Wight School Places

In early 2019 the Isle of Wight council announced its preferred option to deal with falling pupil numbers in the West Wight.

It planned to close All Saints CE Primary school and expand the nearby St Saviour’s RC Primary School.

Following opposition from residents, this plan was changed later in the year, when it was revealed the IWC would relocate pupils from All Saints’ to Yarmouth Primary, whilst All Saints’ was expanded, then all pupils would move to All Saints’ and Yarmouth would be closed.

This was withdrawn following a legal challenge, schools reduced their admission numbers, but the IWC said they were still looking to close one school in the West Wight.

Below are articles following the proposed closures.

save all saints banner

31, December 2019·2 min read

Isle of Wight council say All Saints’ school closure depends on decision of Yarmouth govenors

Any decision to close the school by Cabinet next Thursday (9 January) will be subject to the governing body of Yarmouth Primary School taking a decision to relocate their school

Stop sign halt stay away:

6, August 2019·2 min read

Isle of Wight council scrap plans to relocate West Wight primary schools

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

control key on laptop

17, January 2020·2 min read

Isle of Wight council set out arrangements for All Saints’ and Yarmouth schools

The Isle of Wight council clarify the situation with admission arrangements for West Wight primary school pupils

vix lowthion and daniel james

19, March 2019·1 min read

Isle of Wight Green Party throw their support for All Saints’ Primary into the ring

Local councillor, Daniel James, said the West Wight deserves much more support from the Isle of Wight council who he believes should go back to basics and properly support rural Island schools.

Save our School - parents and children

13, September 2019·2 min read

It’s not over: Conservative Cllr says they are still committed to closing one West Wight school

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.

Save our School - parents and children

12, March 2019·1 min read

Labour encourages members to campaign against closure of All Saints’ Primary

Julian Critchley from Island Labour says, "the Council should really have learned lessons from the previous attempt to close Sandown Bay Academy; communities know that schools are more than just bricks and mortar."

save all saints banner

19, March 2019·1 min read

Letter: ‘Flawed reasoning’ behind plans to close village school

This reader believes the Isle of Wight council's reasoning for closing All Saints' School in Freshwater is flawed and says what the village needs, if the Island Plan is not fantasy, is a new, central, non denominational school.

yarmouth school - pupils and parents with save our school banner

30, December 2019·2 min read

Letter: Governors have ‘lost their way’, but West Wight parents still see Yarmouth as school of choice

Steve Cowley says he believes the Governors of Yarmouth school have "lost their way" and encourages parents to email them

children and teachers on grass

23, July 2019·1 min read

Letter: Isle of Wight council must ‘ditch this plan’ to disrupt young children’s education

Steve Cowley believes the Isle of Wight council's plan to close Yarmouth school is disruptive and possibly 'financially irresponsible'. Over 90% of Shalfleet and Yarmouth parents oppose the plans.

yarmouth school - pupils and parents with save our school banner

2, December 2019·1 min read

Letter: It’s time we invested properly in our children’s education, SEND and their teachers’ pay

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

Save our School - parents and children

2, January 2020·2 min read

Letter: Time for Yarmouth to remember that it’s no longer an island within an island

David Griffiths from Yarmouth counters Steve Cowley's letter, setting out what he believes are valid reasons to move Yarmouth School to Freshwater

children and teachers on grass

23, September 2019·1 min read

Letter: West Wight parents blighted by conflicting messages over planned school closure

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.

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