Residents on the Isle of Wight have another opportunity to have their say on proposed primary school closures.
Following Cabinet approval last month, Public Notices have today (Friday 3 January) been published for Arreton St George's CE, Brading CE, Cowes, Oakfield CE and Wroxall primary schools.
If approved, these closures would come into effect from 31 August 2025.
Additionally, a Public Notice has also been published proposing a 12-place primary resourced provision for children with Autism Spectrum Condition at The Bay CE Primary School.
Following the publication of the notices, there will now be a statutory four-week consultation on the proposals with residents encouraged to share their views through the council's website, via email, or by post.
Background
The proposed closures are a response to a significant decline in birth rates both locally and nationally over the past five years.
Currently, the Island has 10,724 primary school places available, but the number of children needing these places is projected to fall significantly by 2027.
The overall number of primary pupils is expected to decrease from 9,300 in 2017, to 7,640 in three years' time.
By addressing surplus places and realigning primary school provision to the number of children on the Island, the council aims to begin to improve the quality of education on the Isle of Wight, supporting the futures of children and young people and the future of the Island as a whole.
How to participate in the consultation
The consultation will run until Monday, 3 February 2025.
- Online: Visit www.iow.gov.uk/schoolplace
- Email: [email protected]
- Post: Naomi Carter, Service Director, Children's Services Department, Floor 3, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for children's services, said:
"We want to hear from everyone in the community. Whether you are a parent, teacher, pupil or resident, your voice matters.
"Please take this further opportunity to share your views with us."
The Cabinet is expected to make a final decision on the proposals in late February or early March.
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