School Closures Among Options In Isle Of Wight Primary Education Review
Possible school closures and reductions in capacity are being considered as part of a review of primary education on the Isle of Wight.
A report to the Isle of Wight Council’s children’s services, education and skills committee recommends continuing an Island-wide review of school places amid falling pupil numbers and financial pressures.
County Hall has stressed that no school closures are currently being proposed and no individual schools are named in the report.
However, the review will assess options including reducing capacity or potentially closing schools, alongside educational outcomes, school finances, special educational needs provision, transport and the impact on communities.
In September, 1,042 children applied for reception places, while 1,289 places were available across 37 Island primary schools — leaving 247 unfilled.
The report warns surplus capacity is putting pressure on school finances and could affect staffing, curriculum choices and support for pupils.
Councillors are due to consider the recommendations on Thursday (October 15).
Comments