My children and numerous local children get their quality education from Brading Primary School. The school is a cornerstone of our community, fostering not only academic growth but also social and emotional development - it is truly a home away from home for our young learners. Sadly, we're facing the threat of its closure, which would significantly affect the educational landscape of our locality.

Contrary to mere assumptions, closing schools doesn't necessarily mean improvement. According to research conducted by The Rural School and Community Trust, rural schools closures, such as the one we are facing, can dampen students’ learning and community vitality. These unfortunate outcomes derive from longer commutes, larger classes, and the undeniable disruption caused to students’ life for having to adapt to new environments.

Furthermore, safeguards like Brading Primary are critical in our fight against educational inequality. A study by The Education Policy Institute states that disadvantaged students are already behind by 18.1 months at the end of their GCSEs compared to their affluent peers. The closure of our local school would further exacerbate this divide.

Therefore, we need to secure the future of our beloved Brading Primary School. A future where local children can continue to learn & grow, right at the heart of Brading. Join us in urging decision-makers to rethink their plan of closing the school. Please sign this petition to keep Brading Primary School open.