Four Isle of Wight primary schools could be closed, after consultation, under a plan to tackle surplus school places.

Cowes Primary, St Mary's RC Primary in Ryde and Wroxall Primary School could all shut.

Meanwhile, Chillerton and Rookley Primary would be amalgamated with Godshill Primary from January 1, 2024.

Here's what we know...

Here's why school leaders say action is needed to cut vacant school places in Isle of Wight Primary schools:

  • There are 39 primary schools on the Isle of Wight and 1,379 reception places - the equivalent of 46 classes.
  • For 2022/23 there were 213 vacant reception places - the equivalent of seven classes.
  • A primary school gets just over £4,023 for each pupil on roll so if places are vacant, funds are stretched thinner.
  • The Isle of Wight is five per cent over the suggested vacancy rate.
  • It is estimated there would be £856,951 in additional funding if there were no vacant reception places in 2022/23.
  • There has been a fall in birth rates on the Island, reflecting the national trend.
  • The council predicts the number of primary school children will fall from 9,200 in 2017 to around 8,000 by 2025. 

There are around 200 empty seats at primary schools and the local authority says it has been working closely with headteachers and governing bodies to take 'decisive action'.

It has been argued keeping too many schools open risks a 'mediocre education' and the proposals announced today (Friday) are part of a strategic plan.

Education leaders said: "We find ourselves operating in a school system that is grossly inefficient with multiple additional challenges caused by chronic overcapacity that inhibit our efforts to improve the educational experiences of our young people."

They added the changes are in no way a reflection on the work of the schools' current staff and leadership, or on the quality of teaching and said it was to provide financially and educationally sustainable schools. 

What happens now?

  • Isle of Wight Council Cabinet members will consider a School Place Planning report at 5pm, on Thursday, June 8.
  • If they approve the proposal to launch a consultation, schools and council staff will hold a meetings with parents/carers. 
  • Cowes, Wroxall and St Mary's primaries would not close before September 2024.
  • A consultation would need to be completed with parents/carers, staff and leaders, governors of the affected schools and the wider community, to start in the autumn.
  • The consultation would last a minimum of six weeks.
  • The amalgamation of Chillerton and Rookley primary with Godshill would be sooner.

The authority insists families will still be able to access alternative schools within five-miles, if the proposals are agreed.

In the case of Cowes, this may include schools in East Cowes.

At Rookly and Chillerton Primary, only nine children were on the roll in April, in a shcool meany for 91 and students have been educated in Godshill since January, due to the what the council says is an inability to recruit adequate staffing.

Tell us your thoughts on the future of Isle of Wight schools

Some schools are currently facing a significant income loss - with a struggle to provide heating and lighting - and teachers have recently been striking over non-funded pay rises, with the possibilty of more action later this year.

School heads have spoken of a struggle to recruit qualified teachers, with those who are available spread over too many schools. 

'One of the most difficult decisions we can make'

Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for education, said: "We need to ensure all our schools are fully supported to provide excellent education for our children, with the very best resources and facilities.

"We know schools have very close ties to their local communities, that’s why closing schools is one of the most difficult decisions we can make, and not one we would ever choose to do unless we had no other choice.

"We have listened to headteachers and school governors and are willing to make these difficult decisions, if the consultations support this action, along with the views of parents and pupils.

"I would stress that no decision has been made to close any school at this time, only a recommendation to consult on potential closures.

"But the quality of education for our children, and strength of the whole school system on the Island, must take priority for the sake of the futures of our young people."