News Stories


  • Specialist help for pupils at Brading is vital

    Brading C of E Primary is one of three Church of England schools that the Isle of Wight Council would like to close. We argue that all three are vital for their communities. Among other things, the expertise at Brading C of E Primary in special needs provision makes a massive difference to pupils such as Maddie Wells Read more

  • Bishop urges council to pause school closure plans

    Bishop Jonathan has urged the Isle of Wight Council to pause proposals for six island schools to close, to allow time for proper consideration of alternative proposals. Both he and our Diocesan Board of Education have formally responded to the council's proposals during its consultation phase. Read more

  • Green spaces mean so much to Oakfield pupils

    Our diocese is opposing plans by the Isle of Wight Council to close three CofE primary schools. Here we profile Oakfield C of E Primary in Ryde. Its beautiful site is a godsend for families who don't always have gardens or green space nearby. Read more

  • Parents and children full of love for Arreton Primary

    Parents and children can't stop talking about how much they love Arreton St George's C of E Primary School, on the Isle of Wight. They are asking the Isle of Wight Council not to go ahead with their proposals to close the school Read more

  • Diocese’s response to proposals to close island schools

    The diocese has responded to proposals from the Isle of Wight Council to close six schools, including three C of E primaries. Bishop Jonathan has outlined our position, which is that if a local authority wishes to close a C of E school, there should be an alternative C of E school nearby where parents can choose to send their children. Read more

  • Cathedral displays hundreds of children’s clay sculptures

    Our cathedral is hosting hundreds of clay sculptures made by Year 6 pupils who are attending Leavers’ Services this week. Each individual figure has been moulded by a different pupil, in the style of British sculptor Anthony Gormley, and brought to the cathedral by a pupil who is leaving their C of E primary school this summer. They now form a mass art installation at the ancient east east of the cathedral. Read more

  • Bishop Jonathan launches national ‘Flourish’ initiative

    Bishop Jonathan led the national launch of the new ‘Flourish’ initiative, which aims to create a series of worshipping communities in schools and colleges. Our diocese is one of 12 that will pilot the idea over the next two years. Four of our schools will work in partnership with local churches to create voluntary groups meeting at lunchtime or after-school groups to discover more about the Christian faith. Read more

  • Headteacher commissioned for new role

    The new headteacher at St George’s C of E Primary School in Portsea has been commissioned at a service at nearby Harbour Church, based in St George’s Church, Portsea. Izzy Lewis has been a deputy head at another C of E school in Portsmouth: St Jude’s C of E Primary. Read more

  • History made in Isle of Wight school

    For the first time, three female priests led Communion services for Holy Week in Christ the King College in Newport. It was appropriate, as we mark 30 years since women were first ordained as priests in the Church of England. Read more

  • Schools chalk their doors for Epiphany

    Schools in our diocese have been chalking special symbols above their doors as they celebrate Epiphany. They’ve been remembering the story of the magi who visited Jesus when he was very young. Read more

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