Controversial proposals which could have led to the closure of four Isle of Wight primary schools have been pulled.
Following backlash and a petition to save one of the schools, the Isle of Wight Council has announced it is rethinking its efforts to address surplus school places on the Island.
Proposed closure plans
Last week, the authority revealed it would look to consult on the closure of three primary schools — Cowes Primary, St Mary’s Roman Catholic (Ryde) and Wroxall Primary.
It was also looking to amalgamate Chillerton and Rookley Primary School with its sister facility, Godshill, from 1st January 2024 — effectively closing another rural primary school.
Andre: We have listened closely to all comments and representations
Councillor Debbie Andre, the council’s cabinet member for children’s education, confirmed the proposals — in an official report — were being withdrawn from the executive meeting next week.
She said,
“We have listened closely to all comments and representations and feel a different approach is necessary in view of the strength of our local communities.”
A fuller statement would be issued at a later date, Councillor Andre said.
200 extra primary school places
The authority says there are more than 200 extra primary school places on the Island, amid a significant fall in reception pupils, a declining birth rate and challenges to teacher recruitment and retention.
There are 39 primary schools on the Island, but it said the reality is there are too many for the number of pupils.
Warning from school leaders
School leaders on the Island have previously warned the authority that keeping too many schools open would risk condemning pupils to a mediocre education, as funding is stretched further.
The council said it was listening to those headteachers and school governors when proposing the difficult decisions but stressed none had been made yet.
Criticism from union
Since announcing its plan, the council has been criticised with local union representatives saying it had come as a shock to staff, pupils and families and that a full consultation process must be undertaken.
The primary schools facing closure sought to reassure parents in newsletters that no decision had been made and it would be business as usual, providing the children’s education.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: mulmatsherm under CC BY 2.0
