Next Phase of Proposed Education Reforms Voted Through

An historic decision that will see the Isle of Wight adopt a new two-tier education system as part of its drive to help improve educational standards has been taken by councillors.

At a meeting of Isle of Wight Council's Cabinet last night (24 November), members agreed with the officers' recommendation (Option C) and voted in favour of proceeding with the education proposals that were formally consulted on from 23 June to 10 October 2008, with some amendments.

Some changes to the school by school recommendations were also agreed as last night's meeting, of which a full list is attached to this press release.

Below are some of the main areas agreed as part of the proposed reforms following last night's decision:

• Establish a new primary (4 - 11 age range) and secondary (11 - 19 age range) school system. The primary sector will have no schools below a 1 Form Entry (A maximum of 30 new pupils in a year group) and no schools larger than a 2 Form Entry (A maximum of 60 new pupils in a year group)

• All community secondary schools will be established as new schools and be let under government competition rules. The council will not bid to run these schools as this will allow the authority to adjudicate the submissions.

• Recommendations in respect to individual schools are approved, in relation to the revised list.

• Council officers prepare a full business case analysis for the provision of an appropriate school transport system.

• In areas where there as been significant response or concern to the proposals, an independent education panel be established to review the proposals and submit a report in February 2009. (This is two areas - Shalfeet Primary and Yarmouth Primary as one area, St Helens Primary, Nettlestone Primary and Brading Primary is the other area)

Isle of Wight Council Leader David Pugh said "I absolutely believe that what we are doing is right for the future of the Island and its children, and that is our driving motivation"