Following news of proposals for to close Carisbrooke, the Trustees, Governors and Colleges of the Island Innovation Trust – which manages Medina and Carisbrooke College – have shared their response to the proposals.
They say,
“The Trustees, Governors and Colleges of the Island Innovation Trust are disappointed that, despite the overwhelming majority of the consultation responses expressing the view to retain the current configuration of schools, including both Carisbrooke and Medina Colleges, the recommendation to the Council Executive ignores the views of the people of the Isle of Wight.
“The Federation offers a real choice to parents not only in term of differing school sizes, but also in terms of GCSE and A Level options. Both 11-16 colleges are on a secure and sustainable improvement pathway, which was confirmed in March by OfSTED. All Colleges are underpinned with strategic and detailed financial modelling which has demonstrated financial viability both now and into the future.”
Yet another lost generation
They go on to say,
“Most importantly of all, the Federation offers to parents, families and children continuity and stability, avoiding another reorganisation and yet another lost generation of children across the Island.
“We continue to work hard to ensure the futures of our schools, confirming that both Colleges are expecting increased numbers of children into their year 7 in September and are actively working on the transition process for those children at this moment in time.”
Direct action
Ahead of next week’s Executive and Full Council meetings, where the proposals will be discussed and voted upon, a campaign to save Carisbrooke College has been launched.
A Facebook Group set up by Vanessa Whitewood (parent of a pupil at the school) is galvanising parents who are also unhappy with the proposals.
They’re being encouraged to share their concerns with local councillors and a protest (5pm) is being organised outside County Hall prior to the council meeting (6pm) on Wednesday next week.
Parents of pupils are also being encouraged to attend a meeting at 6pm on Monday 6th July at the Carisbrooke site.
To find out more head over to Save Carisbrooke College Facebook Group. At time of publishing the group had almost 350 members.
