MHks have been told it is more efficient to send pupils from Ballasalla Primary School to Douglas for swimming lessons rather than Castletown.
It is 3.3 miles from the school to the Southern Pool and 6.6 miles to the NSC, where their lessons will be held.
The decision follows an operational review by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC).
The review looked at pool space, pupil numbers, and budget constraints. It resulted in Ballasalla Primary’s swimming lessons being moved from the Southern Pool to the National Sports Centre (NSC) in Douglas.
Education Minister Daphne Caine defended the move, saying it is an “improved swimming provision for the children of Ballasalla”.
She added: “The new timetable will reduce the required number of bus journeys and provide an additional swimming teacher to support pupils who need extra help.”
Lesson Time
Education chiefs argue the change is a better use of resources, citing financial savings and increased lesson time.
They estimate an annual saving of £4,685 compared to keeping lessons at the Southern Pool. The department also claims it will reduce 1,700 bus journeys across all schools by grouping year groups together, which they say will cut travel emissions and reduce time out of class.
However, some MHKs have questioned the financial logic of doubling the journey distance while Jason Morehouse challenged the claim that fewer bus journeys would be required.
“The government talks about saving costs, but sending pupils further away means longer trips, higher fuel consumption, and more time lost on the road.”
Jason Morehouse
The minister also said that it would prove more efficient for staffing at the pool, which Mr Moorhouse said he doubted.
Southern Pool
Concerns have also been raised about the Southern Pool, which has been struggling financially with MHKs suggesting that moving Ballasalla pupils will worsen its situation, leading to fewer young swimmers using the facility and reducing its future customer base.
Mrs Caine said: “We are aware of the challenges faced by the regional pools, but this decision was made in the best interests of students.
“The changes to the swimming programme as a whole will result in approximately 1,700 fewer bus journeys, leading to both financial and environmental benefits.”
Despite repeated questions in Keys, it remains unclear whether Ballasalla Primary School was directly consulted before the decision was made.
The changes will take effect from September 2025.
Audio
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