Work to start on new Isle of Wight school

Work on a new £5 million primary school in the West Wight is set to begin later this month.

The new school will provide modern educational facilities on the site of the former All Saints' CE Primary School, off School Green Road, Freshwater, which closed last year.

The multi-million pound development will provide a new home for Yarmouth CE (VA) Primary School and Little Stars Preschool, with capacity for around 210 pupils.

The project is being jointly funded by the Isle of Wight Council and the Department for Education (DfE) through its Priority School Building Programme.

The Department for Education (DfE) funding agreement includes the value of the land on which the current Yarmouth CE (VA) Primary School is located.

The new building has been designed by Hampshire County Council property services and the work will be carried out by contractor, Morgan Sindall Construction.

The estimated completion date is early 2023 with pupils and staff moving to their new premises later that year.

Carla Bradshaw, chair of governors at Yarmouth CE (VA) Primary School, said: "We are really pleased that the project is moving forward and we will be excited to see work begin in the coming weeks.

"Our pupils and staff deserve to learn and work in the best education facilities possible. The new school will make that a reality."

The 13,035 sq ft development, which received unanimous approval from planners last November, is single-storey and features seven classrooms, design and technology suites, a larger indoor hall and enhanced sports provision.

Morgan Sindall Construction has delivered a number of similar projects and is currently working at The Bay CE School on the Island.

Cliff Kinch, area director, said the scheme would provide opportunities for local contractors and suppliers during the construction.

He added: "We're very proud to be working with the Isle of Wight Council on delivering new educational facilities in the West Wight that are fit for the 21st century.

"The new school will have a vital role to play in the provision of first-class educational facilities for a new generation of pupils in the area."

The diocesan director of education for the Church of England’s Portsmouth diocese, Jeff Williams, said: “We’re pleased that a brand new school building is being created.

"Working in partnership with the council, this project demonstrates the Church of England’s commitment to helping the children in this part of the West Wight, of all faiths and none, have the best possible start in life.

"Yarmouth CE (VA) Primary School and the Federation have a strong record of giving pupils an excellent standard of education, rooted in their Christian values which we will support with continued commitment.”

Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for children's services, education and skills, said the council had a duty to make sure all children had access to good quality education in buildings that were well designed for their needs.

She said: "We are committed to transforming education on the Island and I am pleased that we can continue this transformation with building this new school for the local community which will, I’m sure, be much appreciated by all those who will use it.

"It will benefit and support our children to receive a high-quality education in a fantastic environment, giving them the best possible opportunities to grow, learn and succeed."