Isle of Wight school closure plans shock headteachers and parents

As the Isle of Wight Council grapples with surplus places, it has unveiled proposals to drastically change the shape of primary education on the Island.

Cowes, Arreton, Oakfield, Brading, Wroxall and Godshill primary schools are all at risk under new plans.

Some parents have already sought to halt plans, setting up Facebook pages and petitions.

The six schools under threat of closure (Image: IWCP/contributed)

Read more: 6 Isle of Wight primary schools at risk of closure in 2025

At Oakfield Primary, a petition has around 150 signatures, at the time of going to press.

Jen Hunt, who created it, said the school community was 'blindsided' by the plans, which could see children 'disregarded' and jobs put in jeopardy.

• A meeting for Oakfield Primary is being held by Cllr Michael Lilley at St John's Church Hall at 7pm tonight.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Vikki Reader said staff were "absolutely devastated" but emphasised it was not a final decision and the importance of remaining "optimistically determined".

Oakfield Primary School (Image: IWCP)

Godshill Primary School (Image: Godshill Primary School)

At Godshill Primary, where some pupils have already been moved from the now-closed Chillerton and Rookley Primary School, a petition to save the school from closure has over 70 signatures.

Laura Dupré said: "All closing down schools will achieve is more home educated children as they will feel so let down by the dysfunctional system."

A Godshill Primary spokesperson said it recognises the complexities and challenges involved in managing school place planning on the Island and it intends to work constructively with the council.

"We want to reassure our wonderful children, dedicated staff, and supportive parents that we are here for them during this uncertain time", they said.

Arreton Primary School (Image: Google Maps)

Cowes Primary School (Image: Cowes Primary School)

Meanwhile, Facebook groups have also been set up to save Arreton and Cowes primaries.

Arreton parent Jenna Jenkins said she was "absolutely devastated" that the school might close.

"The kids have already been through so much chaos because of Covid and now this.

"As a Church of England school, would there be enough spaces at another C of E for the entire school to be relocated?"

A spokesperson for Cowes Primary said the school was "shocked and saddened" by the news.

"We will always be here for you and your children and we will continue to do the best we can maintaining our high standards and excellent education", they told parents.

Wroxall Primary School (Image: Wroxall Primary School)

Brading Primary School (Image: Brading Primary School)

A petition and Facebook page has also been set up for Wroxall Primary, which benefitted from a £2 million investment not long ago.

Wayne Sheath said: "The teachers and the volunteers do an amazing job and all the children adore them. Don't break what we have!"

Set up by parent Lee Keenan, a petition for Brading Primary has around 50 signatures. 

He said: "The school is a cornerstone of our community, fostering not only academic growth but also social and emotional development - it is truly a home away from home for our young learners."

Before any final decision is made and a consultation process is launched, plans must first go before the council's Cabinet on September 12.