THE Isle of Wight Council today (Monday) revealed plans to scrap secondary education at Sandown have been withdrawn, together with the merger of Sandown Bay Academy with Ryde Academy.
The authority said the decision followed talks over the summer between the council's Conservative administration, working with Island MP Bob Seely and the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET), which had agreed to step aside. 
It added the focus had now shifted on to evaluating two remaining options — either to transfer leadership of the school to another academy sponsor or to expand the age range of The Bay CE Primary School, creating what is described as ‘an all-through school’. 
The latter is the preferred option of the Isle of Wight Council. 
It said AET was committed to supporting the Department for Education (DfE) and council plans by ensuring the best possible provision at Sandown Bay this academic year and an orderly transition before stepping aside.
Council leader Cllr Dave Stewart said it was “a really positive outcome”.
He said: “The common agreement we have reached is whatever the final option, a good standard of secondary education will continue to be provided at Sandown and indeed our aspiration is for the new school arrangements to lead to outstanding educational outcomes — because this is what the pupils deserve and need for a successful future.”
A final decision on the way forward is expected by mid October, meaning parents of Year 6 pupils can then make an informed decision about the school they choose for September 2018 as the admissions round closes on October 31, 2017.
More than 1,800 people responded to a council consultation, with 98 per cent backing the call for continuing secondary education in Sandown. 
Ninety five per cent of those consulted said it was “very important” secondary education was secured. 
The vast majority of the community favoured the all-through school option with 85 per cent of respondents lending their support to the plan. Thirty seven per cent of the respondents said they would support rebrokering the school to a different academy sponsor.
Cabinet member for children's services, Cllr Paul Brading said: “I am absolutely thrilled that secondary education will continue for the Sandown community. 
“The announcement means we can have a fresh start in Sandown and we now have to make sure that the future arrangement delivers high standards and outstanding educational provision. More of the same is not acceptable — better education has to be provided.”