THERE have been calls to save the Isle of Wight Studio School by parents, students and councillors, after it was announced earlier this week it would be closed in 2019.

Prospective parents have said they are "devastated" by the news of the school's closure, with one East Cowes parent saying they were now looking at schools on the mainland as an alternative.

She said: "Ventnor Free School and Christ the King are oversubscribed. Other schools on the Island just don't cut it. I feel if we put my daughter in an Island school she would just not get the GCSE grades that she needs."

A mother from Chale said her 14-year-old son was devastated by the news. She said: "He is borderline-autistic and has had a really rough couple of years.

"We chose the school because they look after the children so differently. It's a whole different way of learning. Even if they charged tuition fees, I would be willing to pay for him to go there."

Parents of current pupils also voiced support for the school which will remain open next year to allow existing pupils to complete their GCSEs.

Debbie Webb, from Kingslea Park, East Cowes, said she chose to send her son, Rowan, to the school two years ago because she felt he was not being challenged enough.

She said: "I was in the school every week with various teachers telling me how awful he was. I moved him to the Studio School as soon as I could.

"He is challenged, listened to and encouraged. His scores are very high and he is expected to do well in his exams. I can't praise them enough. It will be a shame to lose the school when it can benefit many other children."

Roy Meadows, from Castle Road, Newport, said he was "gutted" by the news. His daughter, Millie, will sit her GCSEs at the school next summer.

He said: "I am devastated for other children who won't get to go and the team at the school.

"I am also disappointed for the Island because we have lost a real gem. It's as close to private education that you can get for free."

Local councillor Karl Love has encouraged parents to write to the Department for Education, and a petition has been started by a local resident.

Cllr Love said: "We need to remember this school is not a failing school — it has not failed in any way, shape or form.

"This school offers a very different kind of education. It supports kids whose skill set is not academic.

"The way to save this school is for our Isle of Wight Council to send a positive message of support and back this school 100 per cent."