The Isle of Wight Council's Cabinet has decided to publish closure notices for five Island primary schools — Arreton St George's CE, Brading CE, Cowes, Oakfield CE and Wroxall.
If approved, these closures will come into effect from 31 August 2025.
In a change of recommendation, Godshill Primary School, which was initially considered for closure, will remain open.
At last night's meeting, Cabinet also agreed to publish a Public Notice to establish a 12-place primary resourced provision for children with Autism Spectrum Condition at The Bay CE Primary School.
The publication of the notices on Friday 3 January 2025 will trigger a statutory four-week consultation, providing people with another opportunity to have their say on the proposals.
It has also been announced that Full Council will debate and hold an indicative vote on school place planning next month. The debate will help guide the Cabinet's final decisions in late February or early March.
In putting forward these proposals, the council is seeking to address a significant decline in pupil numbers due to a falling birth rate, which has resulted in over 2,300 unfilled primary school places across the Island.
This surplus is causing financial strain, as school budgets are directly linked to student numbers and funding is based on a national funding formula.
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. For every empty seat, schools receive about £4,500 less income.
Falling rolls make planning and staffing decisions difficult, potentially leading to cuts in essential support staff impacting the quality of education and support for children.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for children's services, said the need to improve school outcomes is paramount.
He said:
"The decision to close a school isn't one the council takes lightly.
"We have considered all of the information we have as well as the views of those who responded to the consultations before deciding to proceed with the publication of these statutory notices.
"I would ask people take a moment to think of the Island wide picture here that continues to keep our schools at the bottom of the national achievement lists.
"We have some of the worst educational standards in the country — no responsible council can allow such a situation to continue.
"School is about preparing our children and young people for life, work, careers and their futures. This should be driven by concentrating on providing the best for each child, right across this Island, rather than being driven down by inadequate budgets and failing finances.
"We have to change the life chances and improve the educational outcomes for all of our children on our Island. This in turn helps fight deprivation and poverty as children grow into adulthood and start their own families seeking out better education for their children.
"We have to change the life cycle opportunities for our children and families and improving education does just that — creating positive outcomes for all of our children."
The statutory notices will be published in local press and on the council's website on 3 January 2025. Further information on how people can comment will be provided nearer the time.
Interview With Wightlink CEO Katy Taylor
Godshill Primary Campaigners And Council Express Relief After Closure U-Turn
We 'Shal' Not Be Moved: Shalfleet Councillors Release Statement Over Recent Walkouts
Former Isle Of Wight Police Who Died On Duty Honoured By King
Councillor Slams School Place Planning Process 'Basic Flaws'
School Closures Decision Provisionally Agreed Following Late Night Council Meeting
Shanklin Man In Drug-Driving Arrest Following Crash
Nine Houses Planned For 'Superfluous' Ryde Demolition Yard
Isle Of Wight West MP Richard Quigley Responds To Vestas Redundancy Announcement
Appeal For Witnesses After Collision In Ryde Leaves Man In 70s Seriously Injured
Host Of New Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
Red Funnel Passengers Faced With Thursday Delays
Isle Of Wight MP Reacts To Vestas Turbine Factory Redundancy Bombshell
Wroxall Barn Conversion Mooted Despite Concerns
Decision Day Arrives For Six Isle Of Wight Primary Schools
Cowes Cocktail Bar Set For Alfresco Development
Have Your Say On Isle Of Wight Dementia Care And Support
His Majesty The King Recognises Cowes RNLI Crew For Their Service
Northwood Parish Council In Speed Reduction Proposal For Busy Road
Contentious Healthfield Campsite Development Freshwater Plans Resubmitted
