At last night’s (Thursday) mammoth Cabinet meeting, where more than two hours were given over to public questions, Cabinet members chose to save Godshill Primary School from potential closure.
Following the meeting, Councillor Suzie Ellis (Con) the Isle of Wight councillor for Central Rural, told OnTheWight,
“I would like to thank Cabinet for voting to keep a school open in the rural centre of the Island. This is an important decision that ensures families in the Central Rural area will continue to have access to local education, which is crucial for maintaining the strength and resilience of our rural communities.
“The decision to keep Godshill Primary School open is very welcome. However, I am deeply saddened that Arreton St George’s Primary will be served a closure notice in January, alongside other schools across the Island.
“My thoughts are with all the communities affected by last night’s outcome. I would remind everyone that this is not the end of the process, with the final decision not expected until February or March.
“As always, I will continue to advocate for the best outcomes for all children and families in our rural areas.”
Brodie: Closure of Godshill would’ve had devastating effect on Barton’s finances
Councillor Geoff Brodie (IndLab), Isle of Wight councillor for Pan and Barton, told OnTheWight,
“I would also like to thank the Cabinet. Godshill has an important and six-year partnership with Barton Primary in my ward – the school that takes children enduring the worst deprivation on the Island.
“If that partnership of headteacher, other leadership staff and shared support services had been broken it would have had a devastating effect on Barton’s finances, which are already facing significant challenges.
“Also my thanks to Councillor Ellis for all her work supporting Godshill.”
Mosdell: This success reflects the tireless efforts of Councillor Suzie Ellis
Councillor Clare Mosdell, leader of the Isle of Wight Conservative Group told OnTheWight,
“We are delighted that the Cabinet has listened to the Conservative Group’s recommendation to preserve primary education in the heart of the Island by saving Godshill Primary School from closure. This decision is a crucial step in ensuring that local families in Central Wight continue to have access to vital education close to home.
“This success reflects the tireless efforts of Councillor Suzie Ellis, whose comprehensive report demonstrated the importance of maintaining the school to support the resilience of rural communities. Councillor Warren Drew, presenting the case in the Corporate Scrutiny meeting, reinforced the need to prevent further disruption to pupils who have already been impacted by previous closures.
“The Conservative Group remains committed to supporting parents campaigning to save their local schools and advocating for sustainable solutions to protect rural education across the Island. Rural schools are the ‘beating heart’ of their communities, and we must focus on safeguarding their future to ensure the vitality and cohesion of our local areas.”
Closures
At the meeting last night, cabinet members pressed ahead with plans to close Cowes Primary School, Arreton St Georges CE Primary School, Brading CE Primary School, Wroxall Primary School and Oakfield CE Primary School.
The subject will go before the Full Council in January for an indicative vote, before a final decision is made in March.
Article edit
10.20am 13th Dec 2024 – GB comment added
4.50pm 13th Dec 2024 – CM comment added
