At the full Council meeting on 3 October 2024, Cowes Town Council voted to formally oppose the proposed closure of Cowes Primary School, standing in solidarity with the hundreds of local residents who have voiced their concerns.
The motion, introduced by Councillor Jock Rafferty, received overwhelming support from councillors, who believe that closing the school would have serious and lasting consequences for the town and its future.
Councillor Rafferty put forward a strong case for resisting the closure,
“Cowes Primary is not just a school, it’s a vital part of our community. Closing it would significantly impact local children’s education, put additional strain on families and remove essential support for some of our most vulnerable students.”
A number of critical concerns
The Council’s opposition to the closure is based on a number of critical concerns. Closing Cowes Primary School would force many children to attend schools further away, leading to overcrowding at other schools, which could negatively affect the quality of education.
Cowes Primary School has long been known for its small class sizes and close-knit learning environment, which fosters both academic achievement and personal development. Larger schools may struggle to offer the same level of individual attention that students at Cowes Primary School benefit from.
Impact on students with Special Educational Needs
There are also serious concerns regarding the impact on students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Cowes Primary School has an established reputation for providing dedicated, tailored support to SEN students.
Relocating these children to other schools that may lack similar provisions could severely disrupt their education and emotional well-being, causing long-term setbacks.
Considerable strain on local infrastructure
Beyond the educational impact, the closure would place considerable strain on local infrastructure. Families, many of whom already face challenges with transport, would be forced to manage longer school commutes, creating additional pressures.
Increased traffic from school runs would add strain to the local roads, as highlighted in the School Place Planning Document, which already acknowledged the capacity issues in the area. The local infrastructure is simply not equipped to handle the extra demand, and this would create logistical headaches for parents, many of whom may lack access to private transport.
An essential role in the fabric of the local community
Moreover, Cowes Primary School plays an essential role in the fabric of the local community. It serves as a hub for families, helping to create and strengthen social bonds.
The closure would erode these connections, leaving Cowes without one of its key gathering points and further diminishing the town’s identity.
Supporting the school community
In addition to passing the resolution, Cowes Town Council is taking immediate steps to support the community in its fight to save the school. The Council will be writing to the Isle of Wight Council to formally express its opposition, highlighting the widespread concerns about the negative impact on children, families and the town as a whole.
Cowes Town Council will also endorse the petition signed by over 400 residents and encourage even greater community involvement as the consultation process continues.
Rafferty: We are committed to doing everything we can
Councillor Rafferty, who spearheaded the motion, stressed the importance of this issue,
“The closure of Cowes Primary School would be a step backward for our town.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to protect the future of our children and uphold the values of our community.”
News shared by Kate on behalf of Cowes Town Council. Ed
