Ministers at the Department of Education have confirmed that the Isle of Wight Studio School will close in July 2019, at the end of the 2018/19 academic year.
The reason for making this decision is due to low pupil numbers at the school. Currently, the Studio School is at 40% of capacity with just 120 pupils – 71 in the current Year 11 and 49 in Year
10.
The school will remain open until the Summer of 2019 to enable the current Year 10 pupils to complete their GCSEs at the school. However, no new pupils will be able to join the school this September.
A spokesperson for Inspire Academy Trust, which runs the Isle of Wight Studio School, has said:
“It is with regret we announce the final plans for the closure of the Studio School and we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those who have supported it on the Island.
“We have been humbled by the strong support shown by parents and students, which is a testament to the dedication and expertise of all the staff. However, it is a sad reality that such a small school cannot continue long-term.”
A Department for Education spokesperson added:
“We have agreed to the closure of Isle of Wight Studio School following a request from the Inspire Academy Trust.
Article continues below this advertisement “A number of options have been explored but ministers have decided that the school, which is operating at 40 per cent capacity, should close in August 2019. We have considered feedback from the local community and concluded that closure represents the best option for pupils on the Isle of Wight to ensure they get an excellent education.”
Councillor Paul Brading, Cabinet member for education has said:
“I fully understand why the minister has come to this decision.
“While I am supportive of providing high quality technical education on the Island, the Studio School has only managed to attract small numbers of students.
“I gather the Academy Trust and the Department for Education have looked hard at the finances during the listening period but have come to the conclusion it is not financially viable.
“I am pleased to hear the Studio School will remain open until the summer of 2019 so all current students can complete their education.
“I am aware that some parents were considering starting their children there this September which will no longer be possible. Should those parents wish to discuss their options, I would encourage them to contact our admissions team on 01983 823455.”
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