The closure of Carisbrooke College could be just two years away following an Isle of Wight Council report that recommends closing the school and merging it with Medina College.
A report released this week shows that Council officers do not believe the authority could put forward a strong enough business case for securing the future funding for the school through the Education Funding Agency due to a declining number of pupils.
The Isle of Wight Council’s executive will now meet next Wednesday to discuss the report and make a decision. If approved, a consultation would begin in September 2015 with plans to see the school closed in 2017.
Although all other secondary schools on the Isle of Wight would remain, post-16 provision at Ryde Academy would merge with Sandown Bay Academy under the plans.
Speaking on the school capacity consultation recommendations from council officers, Cllr Chris Whitehouse, whose Newport West Ward includes both Christ the King College and Carisbrooke College, says:
“We need to take a professional and hard-headed look at the data, and not give in to emotional appeals. The question the Executive must address is whether Carisbrooke on current predictions is financially and educationally sustainable. The professional judgment of officers is that it is not. That is a factor that must weigh heavily on Cllr Bacon’s mind as he decides what to recommend to the Executive.
“There is no Conservative Group line on the options under consideration, these are not party political issues. Our job as the opposition was to challenge the process to make sure all data was considered and that the consultation was open and transparent. We have worked hard over now 18 months to fulfil that role and will hold the Executive accountable for whatever decision they take.”
