The clock is officially ticking on the future of an Isle of Wight primary school after a notice for its closure was published.
In just over 100 days, Chillerton and Rookley Primary School is proposed to shut, amalgamating with its fellow Stenbury Federation facility, Godshill Primary School.
Objections can still be made
The closure is due to come into force on 31st December, although objections can still be made.
The future of the primary school was first put under review in February 2022 but has since struggled to recruit teachers and bring pupils into the school.
8 out of 91 places filled
Despite having the potential space to teach 91 pupils between the ages of three and 11, the school only has eight children enrolled.
They have all been taught at Godshill Primary since January due to there being no teacher at Chillerton.
A significant decline in pupil numbers
The official notice says the closure is being proposed due to a significant decline in pupil numbers at the school in the past five years, with no reception pupils starting in September.
The lack of pupils has hit Chillerton and Rookley financially. Since April 2016, the school has had an unresolved deficit budget.
Andre: The council has run out of options
The Isle of Wight council’s cabinet agreed to the course of action in July, with then cabinet member for education, Councillor Debbie Andre saying no one wanted to close a school but ‘despite doing everything to keep the school open, the council has now run out of options’.
Six-week consultation period
The public notice was published on Friday 15th September, starting a six-week consultation period where anyone can object or make comments on the proposals which can be obtained from County Hall, in Newport.
Comments can also be sent to County Hall or via email to [email protected]
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
