Those in support of saving Brading Primary School say that it is becoming ‘more and more obvious’ that the Council’s process of shutting 6 Isle of Wight schools is ‘fundamentally flawed’.
Members of Save Brading School say they are becoming increasingly frustrated at the proposals launched by the Isle of Wight Council, in particular over the failure to consult with the academies, the failure to use appropriate planning areas and the ‘nonsensical’ conclusions that the Council has drawn in relation to Brading Primary School.
Under the plans, Brading Primary will close by the end of August 2025 depriving a disadvantaged community of a valued local resource. But campaigners say that the local authority is ignoring its own criteria in respect of what makes a school more likely to close.
The campaign group is asking questions about how the Council assesses data, whether it has considered recent large investments in the school and how placing The Bay Primary under ‘further financial stress’ will drive up standards.
Save Brading Primary is also calling into question why nearby St Helens Primary is to remain open, despite allegedly having no working kitchen facilities, multi-year group classes and limited financial reserves.
Campaigners say their preference is for the school to come under a federation with another school, to pool resources. They say this hasn’t been properly considered.
A spokesperson for the group has said:
“By refusing to acknowledge the options and consult on either federating Brading, reducing the admission number at The Bay further or the closure of St Helens, the Isle of Wight Council runs the risk of being accused of ignoring its own criteria and therefore placing the integrity of this whole process at risk”.
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An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson has said:
“The Isle of Wight Council are currently undertaking an informal consultation process to consider the closure of Brading CE Primary School. During this time, a wide range of stakeholders will be consulted, and we will be seeking alternative options for consideration that lead to the reduction of surplus places.
“At this stage, no decisions have been made and the Council welcomes and will seriously consider all alternative proposals.
“A consultation meeting is planned for Thursday 3rd October at 5.30pm and we would encourage parents and the community to attend.”
Err, you just gave permission for hundreds of new family homes in Bembridge. They won’t all fit into Bembridge Primary School so Brading will be needed. What planning comittee??