Major Boost For Island Schools As Five Selected For Government Rebuild Programme

Five Isle of Wight schools are set for major upgrades after being chosen for the government’s flagship School Rebuilding Programme (SRP).

St George’s Special School, The Bay CE School (secondary site), Nine Acres Primary School, Hunnyhill Primary School, and Medina College will all benefit from significant investment to modernise classrooms and facilities.

The nationwide scheme targets schools in greatest need of refurbishment, with the aim of creating safe, high-quality learning environments for pupils and staff.

The Isle of Wight Council’s successful bids to the Department for Education (DfE) will now see hundreds of Island children taught in brand-new or fully refurbished buildings over the coming years.

Feasibility studies — the first stage of design and planning — are nearing completion at The Bay CE School and Nine Acres Primary, while St George’s Special School has just entered the process, including discussions about a potential relocation to land near Carisbrooke College.

The council is also continuing to work with the DfE on the Free School Programme, which complements the rebuilding work and supports wider plans to strengthen education across the Island.

Headteachers have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “transformative opportunity” for Island education.

Steff Gleeson, headteacher at St George’s School, said:

“Our current building no longer meets the needs of our complex and vulnerable students.

"This is a very exciting development — we look forward to working with the council and DfE to create a fit-for-purpose environment.”

Duncan Mills, executive headteacher of The Bay CE School, added:

“This investment will propel our school into the 21st century, providing modern, inspiring learning spaces that empower our students to thrive.

"We’re eager to involve our community in shaping a school we can all be proud of.”

Rosie McDonald, headteacher of Nine Acres Primary School, said:

“We’re thrilled to be exploring plans for a new build that reflects our vision for education and supports our students and community.”

Naomi Carter, the Isle of Wight Council’s service director for education, inclusion and access, described the programme as “an integral part” of the council’s education strategy:

“We’re very excited to be working with the DfE to bring these projects to life.”

The full process — from planning to completion — is expected to take around three years, marking one of the most significant investments in the Island’s school infrastructure in recent decades.