School place planning FAQs

The Isle of Wight currently has a significant level of surplus places within our primary sector and action needs to be taken to resolve this. Birth rates have decreased, and it is forecast that the number of 4-year-olds starting primary school will decrease from approximately 1400 places in 2014, to 920 in 2027. Due to this decline in population by March 2026, it is forecast that 21 Primary Schools will be in budget deficits which are estimated to be a cumulative £3.8m and poses a significant financial risk to the Isle of Wight Council. As surplus numbers increase over the coming years schools will be faced with ever greater financial challenges and reduced ability to offer a wide, quality, and varied curriculum. Ultimately impacting on school standards. An Islandwide review is proposed which will initially inform the public of the issues and seek views as to proposed ways forward. Individual schools identified for closure will not be named at this stage.

School’s funding is directly related to the number of pupils it has on roll and is allocated based on a funding formula to ensure all schools receive an appropriate allocation based on their number on roll. Funding for schools is allocated by the Government. A decline in pupil numbers, and a subsequent reduction in funding, presents difficulties for a school in appointing staff and delivering the full range of curriculum opportunities to pupils. The potential benefits from removing surplus places in existing schools are relatively small in this instance in comparison to the benefits achieved by closing a school.

Predicting school place demand is a complex task. Where children go to school involves a range of different factors such as housing growth, inward and outward population migration as well as parental preference. As a result, planning for school places uses NHS Data, historical trends and some assumption. While pupil forecasts are derived from sound methodology, external influences mean they come without a guarantee.

It is anticipated that a report will be taken to Cabinet in September 2024.

The review of school places is predominantly focused on Primary Schools and not Secondaries. However, yes all school primary schools will be included. It is the Council’s role to plan, commission and organise school places in conjunction with the Regional DfE Director in a way that promotes the raising of standards, manages supply and creates a diverse infrastructure.

Yes, we are working very closely with the DfE particularly around any potential academy conversions, as there is a due diligence process that must be followed ahead of any academy orders being issued by the Department

Yes, we are working very closely with them and will ensure they form part of any decision-making processes going forward.

We are aware that any transition to a new school will need to be managed very carefully to protect the wellbeing of the young people. Where a school is named for potential closure, we will include a proposal for where a place will be offered. This is aimed at not leaving parents/carers in a period of uncertainty and help to keep peer groups together where possible. Parental preference will remain and children will not be directed to take a school place. Every effort will be made to ensure that pupils will continue to follow the curriculum they are currently studying, and support will be provided to all pupils affected by any proposed changes to minimise disruption to their learning

As by this stage no final decision will have been made about the future of our schools the application will still be processed and places will be allocated in accordance with the school’s published admission arrangements. A parent will have the option to make a change to their preference up to the 15 January 2024. If a decision is taken to close a school, parents holding an offer at this school will need to submit a further application for a school place. The LA will be working with all schools to ensure every child is offered a school place within their planning area. More details to follow as the work progresses.

The wellbeing of our school staff and pupils will be kept at the forefront throughout this process. The retention of high-quality staff is also a crucial element in the IW Council’s drive for improving education standards and raising pupil achievement. If a decision is taken to consult on school closures consultations will take place with all staff who may be affected by the proposals, and with their respective professional associations and trade unions.

Unfortunately, the IWC does not have a policy to provide new school uniform. However, as any proposed closure will align with the new academic year this is typically a time when schools change their uniform reducing the impact on parents.

We are not currently at the stage whereby this has been assessed and will continue to be reviewed throughout the process. It is anticipated that the normal school transport policy will apply.

Our proposal is to expand the number of special educational need places on the Isle of Wight by over 201 places. This expansion programme will be considered alongside the reduction of mainstream places and look at the opportunities to reutilise building accommodation where possible.

Yes, we will continue to work closely with our Early Years Team to ensure any potential options also consider 0- to 4-year-old provision and wrap around care which we acknowledge many early years providers also deliver.