Weston Community Primary School has learned today that it has gained Academy status. The first Primary school on the Isle of Wight to do so.
It’s a big relief for the parents, teachers and pupils of the school, as most recently they had to start a ‘Save Our School’ campaign as it was under threat of closure.
The school received a letter this morning (below) from Michael Gove’s Department of Education confirming that the application put in by the school’s Governors over the Summer holidays.
“It’s very good news for everybody”
VentnorBlog spoke to Angela Collins, the head, who told us, “Weston will stay open. It’s very good news for everybody. We told the staff and pupils this morning and we’re sending a letter out to parents this evening.”
The conversion can take place any time in the next four to six months
“Lot of hard work begins today,” Angela continued, “We need to research and evaluate which is the best way forward now – do we become Self governing or join an existing Academy group like AET? (They manage Sandown and Ryde)
“The day-to-day won’t change”
“The day-to-day won’t change – it will be the same staff, school, children. There’s a possibility of a new uniform.”
The council hasn’t informed the school of the outcome of the closure consultation, even though they committed to do this within six weeks – we understand the deadline of which is this week. Now the school has been granted Academy status, the decision of the council should be immaterial.
Broadband still out, so fax used
Weston weren’t able to email us the letter, due to none of the West Wight schools having broadband access, so they had to resort to fax …
