A large crowd gathered in Newport’s St Thomas’ Square yesterday (Saturday) to protest against the Isle of Wight Council’s plans to close 5 local primary schools.
It was back in September 2024 that news first broke that the IWC had earmarked 6 Island primary schools for closure; Arreton, Brading, Cowes, Godshill, Oakfield and Wroxall.
Among those present was assistant district secretary of the National Education Union, Peter Shreeve, and junior vice president of the NASUWT, Mark Dickinson.
Impassioned speeches from parents and school children were a theme of the protest, with several youngsters evoking cheers from the crowd as they explained just how much their respective schools meant to them.
Midway through the proceedings, an anti-closure song – to the tune of ‘here we go round the mulberry bush’ – erupted, with all the crowd singing along in unison.
At an IWC Cabinet meeting in December, Godshill Primary School was saved from closure – as previously reported by Island Echo.
The potential closures of the remain 5 schools will be discussed once more at a Full Council meeting at County Hall on Wednesday evening (29th January). The final decision will be made by Cabinet.
Crowds Lol.
I have seen larger crowds when lining up in the
Chippie on a Friday night getting fish and chips.
If schools need to be closed to save money, then close
them, stop pissing about!
Everyone is suffering under this Labour Government, us
Pensioners who have paid into the system all our lives
have lost our winter fuel allowance.
Close them down, job done. Let’s move on!
What have schools got to do with you? You’re forever moaning about young people or the educationally impoverished (bit rich given your continued use of ‘Camera’s’). Back off old man and leave the kids alone.
No point protesting,council made their decision ages ago,protests dont ever work amyway,the council could not give a toss
So true, bit like the Government.
It doesn’t matter who you vote for, their
Elite bosses will place who they want in charge.
It’s a clowns world.
To close this school would be a disgrace. In education BIG is not beautiful.
Savings must be made, maybe our Council tax
won’t increase
Lol
Some areas are putting their Council tax up by 25%
Labour Britain 2025
God, you’re boring
I fear the comments by Ohlins has the right of it, the decision has been made with marginal wriggle room for appeasement but has to been seen to consult which in all things authority means we go through the motions but we are not changing our minds.