Isle of Wight parents rally against potential school closure

The news, revealed last week, has left families at Arreton Primary School devastated, particularly as the school plays a vital role in supporting children with special educational needs (SEN) and maintains a Church of England ethos.

The IW Council cited declining pupil numbers as the driving factor behind the proposed closures, warning of the “stark and severe” financial impact caused by too many empty seats across the Island’s schools.

• Read more: Six Island primary schools face closure as council warns of 'difficult decisions'

In the case of Arreton, it was proposed that pupils could transfer to Barton Primary School or express a preference for an alternative school.

Arreton Primary School (Image: Google Maps)

St George’s Nursery and pre-school, which shares the same site, would remain open and could even expand, the council said.

However, for parents like Sahara King, whose son William is in year 4 and has sight issues, this is not a viable solution.

She told the County Press: “He is terrified because he understands, because of his physical problems, that things could change.

“The teachers support him; he knows the building and the staff.”

With accessible facilities like disabled toilets, wider corridors and ramps, Arreton has been a safe space for children like William.

“To plonk him into a new class in a new school terrifies him,” she added.

Several posters have been added to one parents car (Image: IWCP)

• Read more: What could become of primary school sites if 'unwanted' closures go ahead?

Many parents, including Jenna Jenkins, voiced concern about the potential loss of the religious aspect of Arreton C of E.

She said: “It’s an unfair representation of closures, with three Church of England schools earmarked for closure out of the six."

Jon Hillman, another parent, shared his frustration, noting his concern over moving to a larger school with over 30 pupils in a class.

He explained: “It’s not just unfair on the schools that are closing but also the ones that are staying open.”

Jon described the proposal as a money-making scheme, “That’s all they care about, money, money, money,” he said.

A 'save Arreton Primary from closure' Facebook page has been set up and a petition on the potential closure (Image: IWCP)

Shauni Townsend, who has children in both year 3 and reception, said the school is more than just a place for learning.

“It’s a community, not just a school,” she said, echoing the concerns of others about the disruption to her children’s routine.

Amy Westlotorn, who travels from East Cowes to take her child to Arreton due to its C of E affiliation, told the County Press that her children were heartbroken after learning about the possible closure.

She said: “I told them at home so they could cry to me and have that moment together rather than finding out at school and going through it alone."

Several parents said they would rather homeschool their children than send them to an alternative school that is not C of E.

The council’s cabinet will meet on Thursday (September 12) to decide whether to move forward with a consultation period on the closures.

If approved, the consultation would run from September 20 to November 1, with meetings held at affected schools.

A final report, based on the consultation responses, would then be presented in December to determine if the closures will proceed to a formal decision.

Despite this, many Arreton parents are determined to fight for the school’s future.

A parish meeting is scheduled for this evening (Monday, September 9), with many parents expected to attend.

Any closures are likely to take effect from August 31 next year.