Thousands return schools survey

More than 3,000 questionnaires have been returned to Isle of Wight County Council as part of a public consultation into education reform.

Residents had until last Friday to return their questionnaires, which will shape the largest shake-up of the island's schools system for 40 years.

Councillors have put forward three options, which would all mean the closure of at least 24 schools.

The plans have met with widescale protests from parents.

Councillor Alan Wells, the cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Clearly many people on the Isle of Wight have strong views about education.

"With over 3,000 questionnaires being sent to the independent research firm, it shows how important many islanders consider the proposals for reform to be.

Empty places

"In contrast, the consultation we carried out early last year on one option for educational reform attracted just over 500 responses."

Until recently, the Isle of Wight sat in the bottom 10% for national GCSE results.

But in 2007, its ranking rose to 94 out of 148 local authorities.

The council argues that a change is needed to raise the island's below-par education performances.

Nearly a fifth - 17.5% - of its primary school places are empty.

Critics say all three options would mean rural schools would suffer and pupils would have further to travel to school.

Four Conservative councillors have resigned over their own party's plans for change.

The full results of the consultation will be published by the council on 10 March and a final decision will be made on 19 March, with changes likely to be introduced in 2010.