Full Proposals Released

Following the decision on 19 March to adopt a two-tier structure, which was followed by area by area meetings involving headteachers, governors and pre-school leaders, Isle of Wight Council's final proposals for reorganisation to raise education standards have now been prepared.

Click here to view the proposals. The list of schools is available in Appendix 1 of the document.

A decision will be made to consult on the proposals at the council’s Cabinet meeting on 3 June.

The documents show many more school sites being put forward for use than under any of the three options consulted on earlier this year. The new proposals, which follow an extensive review of the representations made during the consultation period, show the structure would comprise of six secondary schools and 38 primary schools.

A brand new primary will be built on the existing Downside Middle School site in Newport. Full details regarding school amalgamations and relocations will be contained in the final proposals.

Because of the move towards a two-tier system, all middle schools would effectively close, but all sites apart from Forelands and Nodehill would be used under the proposals. Haylands would form part of Ryde High School (to become Ryde Secondary School) and Sandham would become part of Sandown High School (to become Sandown Secondary School).

Formal consultation on the latest proposals is due to begin in the next few weeks and last for a four month period. The consultation would enable any member of the public to submit their views in writing to the council.

Director of Children's Services Steve Beynon said "We hope this latest report will show parents, governors, the teaching profession and the wider community that we are listening. In our modelling work for the new structure we have taken into account a great many considerations and important points raised by key stakeholders here on the Island, as well as the developments and advice coming to us from Central Government. We hope these final proposals would provide a structure that serves children and their families and the local communities well.

"It has always been our intention to use as many of our existing facilities as possible so, although a school may close in its current form, as is the case with all middle schools, the majority of sites would continue to be used in the new structure proposals. The use of those few sites that would not be used will be discussed further with the local community to decide how they could be used in other ways to benefit children and young people in those communities."

Isle of Wight Council Leader David Pugh said "A considerable amount of work has gone into remodelling the proposals for school distribution. This took into account the motion agreed at Full Council in March, which addressed some of the particular concerns expressed during the informal consultation, and also responding to many of the valuable contributions made by governing bodies.

"In particular, officers have given consideration to the presumption in favour of the retention of rural schools, and we are pleased that these revised plans propose to continue a greater number of schools closer to local communities, whilst balancing this with the requirement for a minimum of one form entry.

"These proposals open up a new period of consultation, which will allow parents, governors, teachers and the wider public to let us have their views on a school-by-school basis. This feedback is essential as we progress to the next stage of our plans to improve education standards on the Island."