Isle of Wight schools set to close under County Hall plan

The Isle of Wight Council's Cabinet could go ahead with the incendiary proposal to close Cowes Primary School, Arreton CE Primary School, Oakfield Primary School, Brading Primary School, Wroxall Primary School and Godshill Primary School.

Announced this afternoon (Wednesday, December 4), the Isle of Wight Council will propose the closure of the primary school sites, following a consultation period which ended on November 1, together with widespread, vociferous protests from parents greatly opposed to the controversial plans.

"This difficult decision, driven by a severe decline in pupil numbers, follows extensive consultations and aims to start to address more than 2,300 unfilled primary school places across the Island due to a falling birth rate," a council spokesperson said.

"This will mean we can begin to improve the quality of education on the Island, in accordance with our Education Strategy, so as to support the futures of our young people and the future of the Island as a whole.

"The council acknowledges the emotional impact this decision will have on the community should the recommendations go ahead.  

"Thousands of parents, staff, and pupils have expressed their fears and deep affection for these schools.

"However, the council must be transparent about the challenges it faces.

"Large surpluses of school places are causing significant financial problems, as schools are funded per pupil but many of their costs are fixed.

"This surplus is leading to underfunding, making it difficult to improve educational outcomes.

"Consequently, governors and head teachers are forced to concentrate on day-to-day financial survival instead of focusing on improving standards. 

"We must consider the bigger picture and the future of Island education for all children and young people. "

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There are fears around 400 pupils will be displaced as a result of the central rural area being left without any primary schools..

One protest group had campaigned for a unified rural school, as a solution.

It is being recommended that public notices are published, in accordance with section 15 of the Education and Inspection Act 2006, to consider closure of the schools.

Additionally, it is also proposed that a public notice be published, to establish a 12-place primary resourced provision for children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) at The Bay CE School (Primary).

The issue will be a top agenda item at the council's next Cabinet meeting, at County Hall, on Thursday, December 12. 

The number of births on the Island has now reached its lowest level since 1941, and that currently the Island has 10,724 primary school places available, the council adds.

But County Hall predicts the number of children needing these places is projected to fall significantly by 2027.

"The overall number of primary pupils is forecast to decrease from 9,300 in 2017, to 7,640 in three years' time," the spokesperson adds.

"This decline has led to substantial financial pressures, with funding for schools shrinking year on year.

"The ongoing trend indicates that by March 2027, 22 primary schools may face budget deficits, potentially amounting to a cumulative £7.4 million or more.

"For every empty seat, schools lose about £4,500, affecting resources, opportunities and the quality of education children receive.

"Falling rolls also make planning and staffing decisions difficult, with schools potentially having to cut essential support staff, directly impacting the quality of education and support for our children.

"Our dedicated school leaders have long highlighted these issues, urging the council to take decisive action.

"They have warned that keeping too many schools open risks condemning our children to a mediocre education.

"A recent review by the Local Government Association (LGA) also supports our decision to consider school closures as a way to address these issues, stating that maintaining too many schools with too few pupils is unsustainable.

"No responsible council can allow such a situation to continue.

"Primary school results on the Isle of Wight are among the worst in the country, with one in three children below their reading age when they reach secondary school.

"In July, the council’s new education department published a draft of the Island’s first comprehensive Education Strategy — an ambitious blueprint to transform our school system from one that consistently underperforms, to one that provides a world-class education.

"The decisions we are facing today are difficult and painful, but they are necessary to achieve this ambition and ensure our schools can provide the support and quality education that all children on our Island deserve.

"Should the proposed closures proceed, we are committed to supporting every family through this transition and ensuring that every child can thrive in their new school environment.

"While these changes are challenging, they are essential for creating a better-funded, more sustainable primary school system.

"Our goal is to ensure every school on the Isle of Wight can offer a full and supportive education to all pupils, preparing them for a successful future.

"As part of this work, we are also identifying positive opportunities to expand the provision of high-quality education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which is so desperately needed on the Island.

"A follow-up report will be presented to the Cabinet early in the new year, detailing proposals for expanding Special Educational Needs Provision across the Island."

Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for children's services, said the council understand the "deep connections our communities have with these schools".

"These recommendations are made with a very heavy heart, but we must take action to build a brighter future for our children," he said.

"By using our resources more effectively, we can better focus on improving the educational outcomes for our children rather than just maintaining school buildings.

"Our children are the future adults of the Island. A high-quality education is essential for a better future for individuals and society as a whole.

"The recommendations in this report offer the best chance to secure long-term educational improvement and financial stability for families and schools."

The Isle of Wight councillor for the Central Rural ward, Suzie Ellis, opposes the plans, which affects her ward.

She said: “I am deeply disappointed and saddened by the outcome of the consultation, which has resulted in both Godshill and Arreton Primary Schools being named in the report going to Cabinet next week.

"The report seeks authority to proceed to Stage 2 of the statutory consultation process and to publish final closure notices.

"As well as the devastating impact this will have on staff, pupils, parents and the wider community, I remain deeply concerned about the vast rural 'desert' this will leave at the heart of the Island.

"This decision threatens to erase vital community hubs and leave families in our rural areas with no access to local education.

"The school place planning strategy should be underpinning improved outcomes for our children and young people.

"Closing good schools that are currently viable as part of this strategy is completely counterproductive.

"I also remain concerned due process has not been fully followed, and that alternative proposals and concerns raised during the consultation have not been given genuine consideration.

"As the report is considered by the Children’s Services and Corporate Scrutiny Committees ahead of the final decision by Cabinet, I urge my fellow councillors to focus on the human impact — on the staff, pupils, parents and communities who will bear the brunt of these closures.

"This is a time to prioritise compassion, thoughtfulness, and the needs of those most affected.”