Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of State for Education, has today (Wednesday) confirmed her agreement to close Weston Academy at the end of this autumn term, 31st December 2015.
The decision follows a period of declining pupil numbers at the Totland academy. In September 2015 there were just 56 children on roll with projections suggesting this number will fall further.
Working closely with the Isle of Wight Council, the local schools admissions authority, many parents have already transferred their children to alternative schools in the local area. The remaining pupils at Weston will now transfer during the rest of the autumn term.
Ian Comfort, Group CEO for Academies Enterprise Trust, said:
“Closing a small school is always a very sad decision to make, and is only taken as a very last resort. The declining numbers at Weston, however, have been making it increasingly difficult for the school to provide pupils with the quality of education they deserve. I am sure they will all thrive in their new schools and we wish them, and the staff, every success in the future.”