A peer review by the Local Government Association (LGA) has endorsed the Isle of Wight council’s proposals to rationalise its primary school system, describing the plans as a pragmatic and necessary response to ongoing educational and financial challenges on the Island.
The review, conducted in September 2024, highlights the severe impact of a declining pupil population and low educational outcomes, urging the council to move forward with consultations to close six primary schools and improve the provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Pupil numbers declining
According to the LGA report, the falling birth rate on the Isle of Wight has resulted in significant drops in school enrolment. In October 2023, the Island currently had almost 1,900 unfilled primary school places, a number expected to rise to over 3,000 by September 2027.
This decline has led to substantial financial pressures, with funding for schools, tied to pupil numbers, shrinking year on year. The LGA review supports the council’s decision to consider school closures as a way to address these issues, stating that maintaining too many schools with too few pupils is unsustainable.
Educational benefits highlighted
The review also emphasises that the rationalisation of primary schools will help improve educational outcomes across the Island.
Smaller schools, especially those with fewer than 100 pupils, often struggle to provide a full range of social and academic opportunities. Mixed-age classes, which are common in these schools, can place additional pressures on teachers and limit the breadth of education children receive.
Raising the Island’s educational standards
By consolidating schools, the council can focus resources on fewer, better-equipped institutions, enabling them to offer more extracurricular activities and modern learning environments.
The LGA’s peer review suggests that these changes will contribute to raising the Island’s educational standards.
Expanding SEND provision
The LGA review also commends the council’s plans to expand SEND provision. With a high proportion of children on the Island requiring special education services, the council’s strategy aims to address this demand by increasing the number of SEND spaces and ensuring that school buildings are fit for purpose.
The review notes that enhancing SEND provision is critical to improving educational access and outcomes for children with additional needs, and this element of the plan is seen as both timely and necessary.
Minimising disruption to communities
While acknowledging the difficulties associated with school closures, the LGA review praises the council’s efforts to minimise disruption.
It recognises the emotional and social significance of schools to local communities, but stresses that the closures are necessary to secure the long-term viability of the education system on the Island.
The review also supports the council’s approach of consulting widely with stakeholders and taking steps to mitigate the negative effects on pupils, families, and communities, particularly in rural areas.
However, the LGA suggests that the council should continue to engage the Department for Education in managing the closure of academies, which lie outside the council’s direct control.
Conclusion
The LGA peer review concludes that the Isle of Wight council’s rationalisation plans are based on sound analysis and represent the best way forward to address the Island’s severe educational and financial challenges.
By consolidating primary schools and enhancing SEND provision, they say the council is aiming to create a more sustainable, high-quality education system for future generations.
Read the reports
You can read the full reports below, embedded for your convenience.
