Island MP Welcomes Launch Of ‘Mission Coastal’ Education Plan

Richard Quigley has welcomed the launch of a new Government initiative aimed at improving education in coastal communities such as the Isle of Wight.

The programme, known as Mission Coastal, was confirmed in the Government’s Schools White Paper and follows campaigning by the Coastal Parliamentary Labour Party – a group of 66 Labour MPs representing seaside constituencies.

Mr Quigley said the Island faces significant challenges, with GCSE and A-Level results below the national average and one in three children leaving school without reading at the expected level.

He described the announcement as “an important step in the right direction”, adding that young people on the Island deserve the same focus and ambition as those in major cities.

Mission Coastal is modelled on the London Challenge programme and will target disadvantaged coastal areas.

It will bring together schools, academy trusts, councils and community leaders to tackle barriers to learning and improve outcomes for young people.

The initiative will take a partnership-led approach, testing and expanding strategies proven to raise standards and increase opportunity.