Education Debate

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we have to change to a two-tier system at all?

The Isle of Wight is one of only a very small number of LEAs operating a three-tier system, and many of these are planning to change. The Island may find itself as the only three-tier LEA left in the country; this would make recruitment of teachers and headteachers difficult. The consultants’ report outlines a number of factors of the three-tier system that may be affecting the quality of education Island children receive, including the lack of accountability at Key Stage level, which is currently split across schools. It is also the case that a change to a two-tier system would facilitate the developments necessary to improve the quality and choice of post-16 education available to Island young people.

Will my child find moving to a much larger school at 11 more difficult than to a middle school at 9?

There’s no doubt changing to a new school can be an anxious time for some children, and a new secondary structure would mean more pupils in the schools. However, one change could be less stressful for children than two and children will be two years older when they have to make the change.

Is changing to a two-tier system going to disrupt the education of several thousand children?

This is a proposal for radical change, and its implementation will be complex. If the decision is taken, the IoW Council would make plans to ensure the transition takes place as quickly and smoothly as possible. The experience of other areas is variable, the better the planning the smoother the transition. Moving to new facilities can also be exciting and challenging for both staff and pupils.

Are you going to close schools?

It would be misleading to say that the change to a two-tier system wouldn’t mean the closure of any schools. However, two things would have to happen before any decision is taken on individual schools. Firstly, there would have to be a political decision to change the structure of the system. If this occurs, then there will be discussion with local communities about how to bring about this change at local level. Until this is done we have no plans to close particular schools other than the 16 middle schools implied by the change to a two-tier structure.

How much will the changes cost, and how will the IoW Council fund the proposed changes?

It is too early to be certain about how much the proposals would cost to implement, but estimates undertaken by the consultants suggest it to be in the region of £65 million. There are many possibilities for securing the necessary capital to enable the change to a two-tier system, and these are discussed in detail in the main report. However, the IoW Council and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) have already had encouraging discussions with the Department for Education and Skills about available sources of funding. These will include investment in improving some of the existing schools and College facilities as well as wholly new buildings.

When would the new two-tier system come into effect?

There are many stages to implementing the plans, but the earliest you could expect to see children in the new system is September 2008.

How can you be sure changing to a two-tier system will offer my child a better standard of education?

Changing to the two-tier system is not enough to improve standards in our schools, but it would make some things easier. For example, a two-tier system would be more attractive to good teachers looking for jobs on the Island, and would enable the support agencies like the LEA and Connexions to work more effectively. Having primary schools to aged 11 would enable them to be wholly responsible for the primary curriculum; similarly, for secondary schools. There is still work to be done to improve the leadership across our education system, and within individual schools to help them continue to raise standards and provide the young people of the Island with the best education possible.

Will my child still have the same choice of educational opportunities?

The proposals include a range of actions which will increase choice for young people. The proposed development of a new 11-16 ecumenical school has enormous potential for offering a unique learning environment not currently available on the Island after age 13. The proposals will serve to strengthen collaboration among schools and with the College and improve access to independent advice and guidance. This would ensure at post-16 young people have the best information and advice about academic and vocational opportunities. Young people in 11-18 schools will still have the same opportunity to attend a school sixth form after the transition, but they are likely to have access to more courses and to a wider range of vocational options than before.

How might the upcoming elections affect progress?

The proposal will go to the Executive of the Isle of Wight Council on the 23rd of March for an ‘in principle’ decision. However, it would need to be ratified after the elections. The proposal has been tabled for the second executive meeting of the IoW council on 1 June.

What happens now?

If the proposal for restructure is ratified by the IoW Council Executive on 1 June, work would begin immediately to develop a detailed proposal. This would include more information about how the new school system would look and how much the development would cost. This information would be presented for a formal consultation in late autumn 2005, and then presented to the Schools Organisational Committee for final approval in spring 2006. These timings are approximate only at this stage.

Where can I send my comments or ask questions?

Both the IoW Council and the LSC are very interested in your views on the proposed changes, and we are also happy to try and answer any questions you may have. The process is in the early stages and there is still much work to be done on the details, but we can take general questions now. Please direct your comments and enquiries to:

Questions relating to the pre-16 proposals
Kim Johnson – 01983 823410 – kim.johnson@iow.gov.uk County Hall, Newport, I.W. PO30 1UD

Questions relating to post-16 proposals

Paul Whittle – 01489 558590 – paul.whittle@lsc.gov.uk Learning and Skills Council, Eagle Point, Little Park Farm Road, Segensworth, Fareham PO15 5TD

There is also a forum on the Isle of Wight Council website. You can post your views and questions there, but be advised this is a public forum and not a direct communication to the IoW Council. Visit www.iwight.com

How can I get a copy of the full report?

The full report can be accessed via the Isle of Wight Council website and the LSC website