Residents and campaigners have expressed their relief after Isle of Wight councillors last night voted to save Godshill Primary School from closure.
Cabinet member for education Cllr Jonathan Bacon and six of his Alliance administration colleagues voted to keep the village school open following an intial proposal to close it along with five other Island primary schools.
At the highly charged and extended cabinet meeting, Cllr Bacon said:
“We as a council have taken serious consideration of the presumption against the closure of rural schools in this case.
“We recognise not only the community’s desire to work with the council to provide a school in this area of the Island but also the strong voice of parents for this.
“Godshill has good transport links with a regular bus service and if it remained open, would provide a school that reduces travel times for children and parents.
“It is my belief and recommendation that retaining Godshill at this time is in the best interest of our rural communities.”
Amy Martindale, a parent and leading campaigner against the closure of Godshill Primary School, said this morning:
“We are deeply grateful and relieved that Godshill school will remain open. However, our thoughts are with the other schools and communities affected by last night’s discussions.
“We sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support Godshill has received to ensure the continued provision of preschool and primary education in the central rural area of the Island.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Snow, Mrs. Morgan-Huws, the dedicated staff, the governors, the parent group, and the entire community for their tireless efforts in saving our school.
“I’d like to personally thank the team of parents Yvette Leppard, Karen Darby, Mark Atkins and the amazing Diane Barker and Kirsty Matthews.”
Cllr Suzie Ellis, representative for Central Rural at County Hall said:
“I would like to thank Cabinet for voting to keep a school open in the rural centre of the Island.
“This is an important decision that ensures families in the Central Rural area will continue to have access to local education, which is crucial for maintaining the strength and resilience of our rural communities.
“The decision to keep Godshill Primary School open is very welcome.
“However, I am deeply saddened that Arreton St George’s Primary will be served a closure notice in January, alongside other schools across the Island.
“My thoughts are with all the communities affected by last night’s outcome. I would remind everyone that this is not the end of the process, with the final decision not expected until February or March.”
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