Proposed Closure of Cowes Primary School, Cowes, Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight Council

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLOSURE OF COWES PRIMARY SCHOOL, COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT

1. Notice is given in accordance with S15 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and the School Organisation (Establishment and Discontinuance of Schools) Regulations 2013 that the Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, High St, Newport PO30 1UD proposes to discontinue Cowes Primary School, Edinburgh Close, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8HF (category of school - Community School) from 31 August 2025.

2. Cowes Primary School currently provides education for pupils between the ages of 4-11 and has a capacity of 210 places and a current number on roll of 121.

3. The closure of Cowes Primary School is being proposed due to a decline in pupil numbers at the school and significant surplus of school places within the Cowes School place planning area.

4. The birth rate both locally and nationally has significantly declined over the past five years. The Island currently has physical capacity for 10,724 primary aged children. In November 2024, we had 2311 unfilled physical school places. This has increased from 1898 unfilled school places in October 2023. All schools have devolved funding, accounting systems and bank accounts and it is their responsibility to remain individually financially viable. Uncertainty around places creates budget risks at an individual school level, as they work to maintain efficient right sized establishments that ensure in-year income matches in-year expenditure.

5. In the event that a decision is taken to close Cowes Primary School from 31 August 2025, the local authority would fully support parents to ensure that all current pupils are provided with a suitable alternative school place. Preference would be met wherever possible, depending on availability of places. Parents also have the right of appeal to an independent appeal panel against any decision to refuse their child a place at a particular school.

6. This Notice is formed from the complete proposal which contains reasons for the decision. Copies of the complete proposal can be obtained from Naomi Carter, Service Manager Strategic Development, Service Director, Children's Services Department, Floor 3, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD (email: strategic.planning@iow.gov.uk).

7. Before 3 February 2025, any person may object to or make comments on the proposals by sending them to Naomi Carter, Service Director, Children's Services Department, Floor 3, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD (email: strategic.planning@iow.gov.uk ).

Wendy Perera, Chief Executive, Isle of Wight Council

Publication date: 03 January 2025