Still on the subject of the schools reorganisation, even though the previous recommendation for Ventnor was to close all three current primary schools (St Wilfred’s, St Boniface and St Mary’s) and create one voluntary aided primary school (run by two churches – CoE and R/C) on the site of Ventnor Middle School is still on the cards, it appears from the report published today that there is a possible second chance for Ventnor.
Due to the number of concerns raised about the recommendations, another option is being put forward for Councillors to consider (this option was previously rejected at the 24 November meeting last year).
Option:
Withdraw the statutory notice; re-consult the community and publish a new notice for a CE/RC VA Primary School of one form entry in lower Ventnor and a one form entry community primary school in upper Ventnor.The community school primary school would have to be let by competition.
This option is not supported by the Church of England or Roman Catholic Diocesan Authorities.
If Councillors choose this option next week it could mean that parents of primary school pupils will have a choice of a school in either upper and lower Ventnor. And perhaps one that isn’t voluntary aided … or run by a church.
