Island schools plan unveiled

Hundreds of people have turned out to march in protest against the closures

Details of a controversial overhaul of the Isle of Wight's education system have been unveiled.

Councillors voted in March to scrap the current three-tier system and switch to two tiers, in the biggest shake up of the island's schools in 38 years.

It means an end to middle schools on the island, causing parents and teachers to hold a number of protests.

The council will discuss the new model comprising six secondary schools and 38 primary schools on 3 June.

These proposals open up a new period of consultation David Pugh Isle of Wight Council leader

As part of the reorganisation, a brand new primary will be built on the existing Downside Middle School site in Newport.

All the sites, apart from Forelands and Nodehill, would be used, the council said.

Haylands would form part of Ryde High School to become Ryde Secondary School and Sandham would become part of Sandown High School to become Sandown Secondary School.

Steve Beynon, director of children's services, said: "We hope these final proposals would provide a structure that serves children and their families and the local communities well.

"The use of those few sites that would not be used will be discussed further with the local community to decide how they could be used in other ways to benefit children and young people in those communities."

Isle of Wight Council leader David Pugh, said: "These proposals open up a new period of consultation, which will allow parents, governors, teachers and the wider public to let us have their views on a school-by-school basis."

Empty places

Isle of Wight Council argues the current system needs to be restructured to raise performances.

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.

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

In January, four Tory councillors resigned over their own party's plans for the changes.

Any changes are likely to be introduced in 2010.