The parents and pupils at Carisbrooke College are breathing a sigh of relief this evening.
The Isle of Wight council has voted to not close Carisbrooke, as had been suggested by Hampshire education officers.
As our live coverage revealed, the councillors put forward a new amendment to the papers that was originally going to be discussed – a paper that would have had quite a different outcome.
The recommendation is subject to the acceptance of a business case by the Department for Education.
The vote
After some debate, the vote was taken
For – 33
Against – 2
Abstained – 1
Cllr Reg Barry and Cllr Steve Stubbings voted against.
Not sure who abstained – will check in the morning (we had originally reported Cllr Hutchinson had abstained but this was incorrect)
Speaking on behalf of the Island Innovation Trust and Carisbrooke College Parent Voice, Headteacher Peter Shaw has described the sense of delight.
He said,
“This is a major step forward for us all in this fantastic learning community. Coming out of Special Measures was a game changer, both for Carisbrooke and our increasingly successful Federation.
“The recommendation tonight was another piece of the jigsaw. We now look forward to continuing our long-established and productive partnership with Local Authority officers so that our business case can secure the significant funding available to enhance the learning experiences of our students.
“It is now the collective responsibility of all those involved in Island education to seize this opportunity so that the great work of the last two years can be continued.”
Peter finished by paying tribute to all those who have campaigned so vociferously in recent weeks on behalf of the school,
“From our letters written, e mails sent and councillors spoken to, a clear message has gone out that there is a tremendous and growing sense of community confidence behind this school. Our parents, staff, governors, trustees and students were magnificent on Wednesday outside and inside County Hall.
“Vanessa Whitewood and Dana Edkins have galvanised, motivated and spoken to hundreds and hundreds of individuals to get our message across; they should be proud of their contribution and leadership.”
Mark Price, Chairman of The Island Innovation Trust, said
“We are very grateful to councillors for engaging with us, listening and responding to the very strong parent and student voice to keep Carisbrooke College open.”
How the debate went
Rather than you having to go through all of our live coverage, here’s the rendition of the section that is relevant to the schools.
18:30
Now on to the school proposals.
Cllr Bacon presents the paper and remind everyone the amended option being voted upon is Option 1.
18:32
He says Carisbrooke has excellent staff and pupils which makes the original recommendation all the more galling.
He says the responses have been extensive and heartfelt and inspired the council to look again at the recommendations. He says he was very impressed with the meeting at Carisbrooke on Monday and even more impressed with the pupils who spoke at it.
18:35
He refers back to the previous reorganisation and how damaging it has been.
He says some have complained that the issue is being dealt with by Hampshire officers. “They are our officers” he says.
18:36
Whatever outcome is chosen it will present difficulties, but whatever those difficulties, they will be dealt with far better than by any officers we’ve had before.
18:37
Cllr Bacon has discussed the amended recommendation with Mark Price, the chair of Island Innovatoon Trust. He has not asked for any amendments to the text be made.
18:41
Cllr Matt Price is first to speak in the debate. He says option 1 is the one they should be voting on and thanks the administration for taking that forward. He welcomes the help that Island Innovation Trust will be given with the business case and asks to be kept involved.
18:42
Cllr Dave Stewart says the change from three to tiers was made as the right decision at the time but recognise that it could have been handled better.
18:48
Cllr Reg Barry says they are risking short term popularity for long term problems. He says he believes that option one is not the recommendation of officers. The same officers who have turned the education system around.
18:49
Cllr Hollands says he’s fed up with Hampshire officers being referred to as Hampshire officers. They are our officers, he says.
18:50
Cllr Seely says Carisbrooke is a reviving school not a dying work. He says they accept that no decision is without risk.
18:51
Cllr Pitcher says that common sense has prevailed – most of us knew that option one was the only option.
18:53
Cllr Fuller says it is very important the councillors recognise the responses of the consultation. He thanks the officers and those who led the consultations, as well as quality of pupils and parents who have lobbied them over last week.
18:55
Cllr Whitby Smith says a letter from the head at Carisbrooke shows he is has confidence in he future of his school.
18:55
“I am very happy to join Mr Shaw in his journey and hope you all are too.”
18:57
Cllr Stephens reminds the members of the state of the education system when they took over and the letter from the Government demanding that Hampshire take over. It was done with a heavy heart, he says, because as an Island we like to think we can deal with our own problems.
18:59
If we mess this up don’t be surprised if central government take away the funding for new buildings. We don’t want to see a school fail in 2-3 years time.
19:01
Cllr Jones Evans says Cllr Priest understands the situation of an eco system within the schools.
“We now have parental choice. Parents are voting with their feet and with improvements at Carisbrooke parents will be choosing to go to this school.”
19:03
Cllr Smart says she might not have been banging the drums as Cllr Lumley has, but that she’s had meetings, talking with people and will be voting for option one.
19:04
Cllr Stubbings praises Cllr Barry for his observations. “We had better get his decision right tonight” otherwise they will be the council being criticised in the future.
19:05
Cllr Hollis welcomes “last minute u-turn” by the leader. He says there was passionate feeling from parents for option one.
19:06
Cllr Priest echoes what Cllr Hollands said about the Hampshire officers and that they’ve done more than they should have done. What they have done to turn around education on the Island is under recognised, he says.
19:10
Cllr Blezzard says he’s persuaded that option one is the better option. Smaller schools can work. He’s confident that IIT and officers can produce the necessary business case.
19:12
Cllr Baker Smith asked what would happen if numbers dropped at Carisbrooke on the future and was told by officers that it would affect many year groups. She said she was voting with her heart but said her head was very concerned about the risks.
19:13
She finishes by saying that parents need to continue supporting the school into the future to ensure the school remains open.
19:14
Chair of the council Cllr Chapman thanks the officers for the work they’ve put into the paper.19:16
Cllr Bacon sums up.
Cllrs now voting on option one.
19:17
For – 33
Against – 2
Abstained – 1
19:18
Chair asks for a round of applause for all the pupils and parents who took part in the consultation.
Article edit 22.47
We had noted Cllr Hutchinson as the member who abstained. This was an error.
