The outcome of the School Place Planning consultation has revealed that the closure of at least six primary school is still on the cards at the end of the school year.
The Island currently has physical capacity for 10,724 primary aged children. In November 2024, there were 2,311 unfilled physical school places. This has increased from 1,898 unfilled school places in October 2023.
Papers prepared for next week’s cabinet meeting share the outcome of the consultation that took place earlier this year.
The papers state:
The current number of primary school places in the areas identified for review is unsustainable leading to the inefficient use of resources in the area. If used more effectively these resources could be better targeted to improving the educational outcomes of the local children rather than maintaining the schools’ physical estate. The Council must look to the needs of the children, not only now, but also into the future in coming to its final decision about how to address the oversupply of places.
Our children are the Island’s adults of the future, and the Island needs a future workforce that can adapt and innovate for whatever that future might bring. Ultimately, a high-quality education is a key building block for a future that is better for individuals and society as a whole.
The recommendations set out in this report are felt to provide the best opportunity to secure long term educational improvement and financial stability for families and schools.
The recommendations
- To close Cowes Primary School with effect from the 31 August 2025.
- To close Arreton St Georges Church of England Primary School with effect from 31 August 2025.
- To close Brading Church of England Primary School with effect from 31 August 2025 and to establish of a 12 place primary resourced provision for children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) at The Bay CE School (Primary).
- To close Godshill Primary School with effect from 31 August 2025.
- To close Wroxall Primary School with effect from 31 August 2025.
- To close Oakfield Church of England Primary School with effect from 31 August 2025 and Consultation within the Admissions consultation in Autumn term 2025 for the proposed pupil admission numbers (PAN) reduction at Greenmount Primary School from 60 to 45 to take affect from September 2027.
The papers go on to say,
The trade unions requested an additional option to delay the implementation date for the schools subject to recommendations for closure by one year. This has been reviewed and understood. The conclusion is that this option provides additional financial pressures to an already financially unstable school system. This would also create additional uncertainty within the school system and for families across the Island, and on this basis this is not a recommended option.
You can read the paper in full below – or visit the council’s website to see all accompanying appendices.
