An independent review into the way schools are funded on Isle of Man has been published, along with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture’s (DESC) response to its findings.
One of the findings within the review was to ‘rationalise the most inefficient primary schools’, the report says it would result in ‘savings of up to £3.6m per annum’.
Eight primary schools were recommended for closure in the Report. They were:
- Anagh Coar
- Braddan
- Manor Park
- Willaston
- Ballaugh
- Andreas & Bride
- Foxdale
- Dhoon.
However, DESC does not accept the recommendation to rationalise primary schools, as it recognises the value of schools serving their communities, whilst students’ educational outcomes remain strong.
Recommendations
The review, which makes five key recommendations, was carried out by Premier Advisory Group (PAG) and MLG Education Services (MLG) between autumn 2022 and summer 2023.
The recommendations are:
- Change the school funding formula
- Review Additional Educational Needs (AEN)
- Optimise recruitment processes
- Rationalise the most inefficient primary schools
- Introduce efficiency metrics
It was commissioned by the Council of Ministers as part of the Island Plan’s commitment to ensure resourcing is ‘focused on the right areas’.
DESC response
The DESC has published its response to the review, which addresses the recommendations and builds on action already taken following an earlier review by Beamans that explored its management and relationship with schools.
Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: ‘The reviews have provided a solid foundation to continue the development of a meaningful, long-term strategy for education.
‘Education is the cornerstone of our society, and it is essential that we continue to invest in our children and young people. We will ensure that we work with education professionals to deliver the actions identified in the department’s response to the review.’
Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture
The response details an action plan that addresses the findings, drives efficiencies whilst maintaining or improving educational outcomes.
This includes reviewing provision for children with additional educational needs (AEN) and the delivery model for secondary education, including staffing structures and enabling technology that supports learning outcomes.
Both documents are available on Tynwald’s Register of Business.
7 Comments