By Isle of Wight Observer
Gurnard Primary School could expand with the installation of two double mobile classroom buildings to support increased pupil numbers due to the closure of Cowes Primary School. The proposals, revealed in a planning application by the IW Council include one newly constructed unit and one repurposed from another Island campus.
The repurposed building, currently in use at another school, will be relocated to the south of the Gurnard Primary site, an area formerly occupied by Solent Middle School. Positioned near the school’s south entrance, the two classrooms have been located to reduce visual impact while preserving play areas and engineered surfaces.
Both units meet modern accessibility standards, featuring raised entrance terraces and disability-compliant facilities in line with building regulations. Their modular form, often referred to as mobile classrooms, complies with fire safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency requirements.
The project is driven by the forthcoming closure of Cowes Primary School. Gurnard, just over a mile away, will accommodate many of the pupils. The temporary expansion is designed to help safeguard educational standards as the council manages declining birth rates and surplus school places across the Island.
The planning application includes flood risk assessments and detailed site analysis.
Public consultation finishes on August 8, and details can be found via iw.observer/planning-portal under reference 25/00586/FUL.
