Councillor Suzie Ellis, Ward Councillor for Central Rural, has voiced her deep concern over the Isle of Wight Council’s School Place Planning Consultation, which proposes the closure of six primary schools – including Godshill and Arreton St George’s, both within the Central Rural Ward.
Following last year’s closure of Chillerton and Rookley Primary School, these additional proposals would result in the loss of all primary schools in the ward. Combined with the proposed closure of neighbouring Wroxall Primary School, this would leave a substantial gap in local education provision and place a disproportionate burden on rural families.
Ellis: An educational desert in the rural heart of the Island
Councillor Ellis said,
“The proposed closure of all three schools would create an educational desert in the rural heart of the Isle of Wight.
“This plan unfairly targets the rural heart of the Island, erasing essential community assets and stripping families of accessible schooling options.”
Support for merger proposals
Councillor Ellis is strongly supporting an alternative proposal championed by local parents: the possible merger of Arreton, Godshill and Wroxall Primary Schools into a single, centrally located rural school. This proposal, supported by community voices, aims to maintain a stable and accessible primary education option for rural families.
Such a solution would preserve the community fabric while addressing the Council’s goals of rationalising school places.
Ellis: Our communities deserve a fairer, more balanced approach
Councillor Ellis continued,
“I urge the Council to consider this community-led alternative, which keeps education at the heart of our rural area while avoiding the devastating impact of multiple closures.
“Our communities deserve a fairer, more balanced approach that respects the unique needs of rural life.”
Call to the council
Councillor Ellis’s response highlights the importance of maintaining rural education to support the long-term sustainability of rural communities, emphasising that the Central Rural area should not bear the full brunt of these closures.
She calls on the Isle of Wight council to ensure that at least one school remains open to serve the rural community, allowing children to continue their education close to home.
News shared by Suzie Ellis, in her own words. Ed
