A decision to shut 5 of the 6 Isle of Wight primary schools earmarked for closure has been provisionally agreed, following a vote by the Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet last night (Thursday).
Isle of Wight Council leader Phil Jordan and 6 other cabinet members decided to press ahead with plans to close Arreton St Georges CE Primary School, Brading CE Primary School, Cowes Primary School, Oakfield CE Primary School and Wroxall Primary School.
The panel, including the cabinet member for children’s services, education and corporate functions Councillor Jonathan Bacon, decided not to go ahead with a recommendation to close Godshill Primary School though, which the gallery greeted with applause.
Towards the end of the heated, extended session, there were multiple instances of impassioned members of the public calling out from the council chamber gallery.
A closure date of 31st August 2025 has been given for the 5 schools, but the final, legally binding decision on whether to actually proceed with the closures won’t be made until March.
The publication of closures notices on Friday 3rd January 2025 will trigger a statutory 4-week consultation, providing people with another opportunity to have their say on the proposals.
It has been agreed for the matter to be discussed by Full Council in January, so that indicative votes can be gathered. But the Full Council’s decision will not have any legal standing – but perhaps may sway Cabinet members to change their minds at the 11th hour.
Councillor Geoff Brodie, who had been pushing for Full Council to have its say, has said:
“I am delighted at Cllr Jordan’s concession. He has proved himself a democrat within the constraints of the law about compulsory Cabinet decision making. All 39 councillors can now express their views and give a guiding vote to Cabinet”.
Expressing her joy that Godshill Primary has seemingly been saved from closure, Councillor Suzie Ellis has said:
“I would like to thank Cabinet for voting to keep a school open in the rural centre of the Island. This is an important decision that ensures families in the Central Rural area will continue to have access to local education, which is crucial for maintaining the strength and resilience of our rural communities.
£The decision to keep Godshill Primary School open is very welcome. However, I am deeply saddened that Arreton St George’s Primary will be served a closure notice in January, alongside other schools across the Island.
“My thoughts are with all the communities affected by last night’s outcome. I would remind everyone that this is not the end of the process, with the final decision not expected until February or March.
“As always, I will continue to advocate for the best outcomes for all children and families in our rural areas”.
The recommendation to close 6 Isle of Wight schools has provoked considerable opposition from concerned parents, campaigners and trade unionists over the last few months. The council received 3 written petitions comprising 894 signatures and 6 online petitions with a total of 3,771 signatures opposing the closures.
Disquiet has been expressed over the provision of faith education, longer commuting distances, financial difficulties, Island academy schools outside of the council’s control not being included in the process and effects on education staff, children with SEND and communities.
Defences of the performance of schools recommended for closure have also been made since the plans came to light.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Conservative Group has said:
“We are delighted that the Cabinet has listened to the Conservative Group’s recommendation to preserve primary education in the heart of the Island by saving Godshill Primary School from closure. This decision is a crucial step in ensuring that local families in Central Wight continue to have access to vital education close to home.
“This success reflects the tireless efforts of Cllr Suzie Ellis, whose comprehensive report demonstrated the importance of maintaining the school to support the resilience of rural communities. Cllr Warren Drew, presenting the case in the Corporate Scrutiny meeting, reinforced the need to prevent further disruption to pupils who have already been impacted by previous closures.
“The Conservative Group remains committed to supporting parents campaigning to save their local schools and advocating for sustainable solutions to protect rural education across the Island. Rural schools are the “beating heart” of their communities, and we must focus on safeguarding their future to ensure the vitality and cohesion of our local areas”.
Bound to happen, two child benefit cap has lowered the amount of children needing places.
Jerk Jordan and Crispy Bacon, the Hindley and Brady of the Isle of Wight Council. Absolutely ridiculous decision, this will cost US the council tax payers more money to transport kids to school via more taxis and buses. This needs to be overturned and quickly
Bloody criminal what these morons are doing.. wasting our council money. Brading school has had over a million pounds spent on it in the last 18 months. Hang your heads in shame
Wroxall fairly recently had millions spent on it when there was already early signs of the birth rate dropping
I can’t understand why close schools they closed gassiot and put students up to what was the Bishop Lovett site, now they closing that. Lots of new homes being built and schools closing it is so sad .
So all the children currently in Arreton and Wroxall will now all be eligible for free school transport to Godshill, which is on the main route from Shanklin to Newport. When just one bus stops outside for a couple of minutes it creates chaos….several parked there for 20 minutes at a time, twice a day should make Godshill village the biggest mobile car park on the island.
I saw a Civil Enforcement Officer outside the school
yesterday when the school was about to close.
One way to STOP Numpty parents parking on the
Double Yellow Lines outside the school causing
an obstruction to motorists and pedestrians.
Close the school down, it is in a ridiculous location.