FOLLOWING the publication of plans for a new primary school for children in the Yarmouth and Freshwater area, those involved have spoken of what the future will hold.

The planning application follows the decision to close All Saints' Primary School and relocate Yarmouth Primary School to the Freshwater site, to tackle surplus places in the area.

The new build has been funded with £4.5 million of government money.

The children made this video (below) to bid goodbye to All Saints' Primary.

Cllr Paul Brading, cabinet member for children's services, education and skills, said: "The proposed new school will deliver accommodation and an environment which allows for high quality education.

"I believe our children deserve the very best we can offer and this investment in the Freshwater site allows us to provide just that — a modern, high-quality school fit for the 21st century.

"Since the plans were released, I have been pleased to receive several comments from parents, and the West Wight community, all excited and positive about the design of the new school. It will truly be a school fit for the future as promised.”

The site, off School Green Road, has been used for a school for more than 150 years.

Read more about the plans here.

Nicki Mobley, headteacher at All Saints', said: "The staff, governing body, together with children, parents and the wider community, are united in supporting the continuing delivery of primary school education in the heart of Freshwater village.

"We see this time of change as an exciting opportunity to continue the journey of raising standards of educational provision and outcomes for local primary school-age children in the West Wight.

"We were delighted the All Saints’ site was kept and, having been part of the group shaping these plans, we look forward to seeing this progress to the building stage and eventually the return of children from both communities, back into the heart of Freshwater, in spring 2022.

"What a fantastic school it will be!"

Carla Bradshaw, chair of governors at Yarmouth Primary School, said: "The governing body and headteacher of the Federation are pleased the project to build a new school for Yarmouth CE Primary School in Freshwater has reached this next stage of development.

"Staff and governors look forward to welcoming children and families from All Saints CE Primary School to our Federation from September 2020 and giving the children the opportunity to continue their primary school journey as part of our learning community. Together we move forward toward a brighter future for education in West Wight."

The new school is expected to be open and used from spring 2022.