There could be 50 fewer primary school places on the Isle of Wight from September 2024.
Four schools could have admission numbers reduced, as the Island continues to see a drop in birth rate and declining numbers of pupils entering reception.
The Isle of Wight council’s cabinet is looking to approve the reduction of pupil admission numbers (PAN) at its meeting this Thursday.
Between 13 and 60
Changes would mean the Island’s smallest primary school could accept 13 children in reception, compared to the biggest which would be able to take 60.
Responses from a consultation argued a wider, long-term strategy was needed to deal with the overprovision of primary school places and that “trying to keep all schools open wasn’t going to work”.
Close smaller failing schools?
One commenter said they would prefer smaller, failing schools were closed rather than see funding stretched and larger primary schools brought down to a lower standard.
Officers acknowledged the point, but recommended the PANs are reduced as it would support the resource and financial viability of the schools in question.
Schools losing places
The places could be removed from four primaries: Barton; Broadlea; Carisbrooke; and Godshill.
A strategic place plan is being worked up by officers and is scheduled to come before cabinet in June.
Overall, if approved, there would be 1,342 primary school places available for pupils starting school in September 2024 and the following years.
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: barneymoss under CC BY 2.0
