COUNCILLORS on the Isle of Wight have decided to close one Church of England school, but rejected proposals to close two other CofE schools.

The Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet voted to go ahead with the closure of Arreton St George’s CofE Primary, but voted against the closure of Oakfield CofE Primary in Ryde and Brading CofE Primary. The Cabinet also decided to go ahead with plans to close Cowes Primary School, but rejected proposals to close Wroxall Primary School.

The decision came after months of campaigning by our diocese, staff, parents and others over these proposed school closures. Our diocese had argued that the process was flawed and urged the council to begin the process again.

Our director of education, Jeff Williams, said: “The decision demonstrated that councillors have listened to our repeated concerns, as well as concerns expressed by the Isle of Wight Council’s Scrutiny Committee, and the indicative vote of the whole Isle of Wight Council.

“We are therefore pleased that the proposed closure of Oakfield and Brading CofE Primary Schools, and Wroxall Primary School have been rejected by the Cabinet. We remain concerned regarding the process that led to the decision to close Arreton St George’s CofE Primary School and Cowes Primary School. We are therefore taking legal advice and will continue to consider all options as advised.”

The Isle of Wight Council orginally outlined proposals for the closure of six schools in September 2024, arguing there were thousands of surplus places in schools across the island. Bishop Jonathan and our Diocesan Board of Education submitted formal responses in Autumn 2024, and then a further response in 2025, outlining flaws in the process. Last month, our diocese submitted a formal ‘letter before claim’, urging the council to re-start the process.

A full meeting of the Isle of Wight Council in January had already voted against the proposals, and a meeting of the council’s Scrutiny Committee this week also voted for the process to begin again.