By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Council, on Wednesday, announced its intention to proceed with their plans to close six primary schools, first announced in September. If implemented, the decision is set to have significant impacts on local communities.
The affected schools – Cowes, Arreton St George’s C of E, Brading C of E, Godshill, Wroxall and Oakfield C of E – face closure next year, if the plans are approval by the council’s cabinet next Thursday (December 12).
Reasons for closures
The proposals stem from a sharp decline in the number of primary-age children, a trend seen on the Island and across the UK due to falling birth rates. According to the council, the changes have left many schools with surplus places, creating significant financial pressures. School funding is largely dependent on pupil numbers, with fixed costs remaining static regardless of pupil numbers. Without intervention, the council predicts 22 primary schools could have financial deficits by March 2027, potentially pushing collective debts to £7.4 million or more.
The council argues that this situation has diverted the focus of headteachers and governors towards “day-to-day financial survival”, rather than efforts to enhance education standards. The Island has long faced significant challenges in its education system, with some of the lowest educational outcomes and exam results in the country.
If the closures are approved next week, and are not effectively challenged as the process moves forward, the council plans to implement them by August 31 next year, as part of wider efforts to consolidate scarce resources and improve education outcomes. Alongside the closures, there are also plans to establish a 12-place provision for primary school children with Autism Spectrum Condition at The Bay CE School.
Opposition to the plans
While the council insists that the proposed measures will deliver long-term financial stability and educational improvements, many local parents and others have fiercely voiced their opposition. The closures will result in longer school journeys for many pupils and there are claims that they will profoundly change the character of local communities. Critics have described the plans as “devastating” for some families. The Church of England has also expressed its disappointment at the plans. The Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, has said he wants all three church schools to stay open to provide parental choice and to support their local communities.
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, cabinet member for education, recognised the upset and distress caused, but explained: “We 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.
“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.”
Who supports the closures?
School closures are backed by many Island’s headteachers, including the leaders of some schools marked for closure. The “IW Headteachers Executive Group” repeatedly criticised previous administrations as well at the current Alliance Group administration for failing to address the challenges, which it says has resulted in mediocre education for children. However, although the group claims to represent the majority of Island headteachers, details of its membership is not made public. The Isle of Wight Council has refused to release the information, saying that members of the group, which has enthusiastically lobbied for school closures, have an expectation of anonymity. However, in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, the council released “Positive Comments on School Place Planning” received from the IW Headteachers’ Executive Group before this year’s summer holiday, with 19 individual quotes thanking the council’s officers for how they were handling the process. It included comments such as: “You are doing what is right for our children and the future of IOW education and have shown courage and bravery in bringing a plan to the table”, “Thank you for all you have done to facilitate the Pupil Place Planning Review and to support our schools during the announcement of the proposals” and “Social media is at its worst at these times… we are all aware how hard you and others have worked to ensure that this is delivered in the most child centred way it can be. Please don’t give any time to the keyboard warriors!” The two page document is below.
The Local Government Association, a politically neutral organisation, has also voiced support for the council’s moves.
Next steps
If approved by the Cabinet next week, the council plans to publish statutory Public Notices early next year, kicking off a four-week consultation period. During this time, representations and concerns can be raised with the local authority. A final decision will follow early in the new year, based on an updated report to the Cabinet.
There will also be a report in the new year, outlining proposals to expand special educational needs (SEN) provision across the Island. This is intended to address gaps in resources for children requiring additional support, with demand for SEN increasing rapidly at the same time as pupil numbers drop.
Mal Butler