CLAIMS Isle of Wight schools and colleges are at breaking point, because of massive funding problems, have prompted a response from MP Andrew Turner.
Ten days after Island Innovation Trust chair of governors Jonathan Finch made an impassioned plea for help from Mr Turner, the MP has written to Mr Finch outlining the government’s funding plans.
In his letter to the MP, Mr Finch said schools were dealing with huge budget deficits and were having to make drastic cuts to 'make ends meet.’
"Inflation, pay awards made by the Government, but met from our stagnating budget, and decreases in funding in local authorities have all resulted in three years of painful cuts to our budgets and redundancy programmes to make ends meet," he said.
Mr Turner said many schools had lost out due to an unfair funding formula, which had led to some schools in London receiving up to £8,500 per pupil, while on the Island the figure was £4,539.
He said the government was involved in two consultations to address funding problems.
"Despite assertions recently made by the teaching unions — as part of a national campaign —about the effect this will have on the IW’s schools it is not possible to predict what the proposals will look like before we have the details in front of us," said Mr Turner.
He said the proposals would allow for a basic allocation, with additional funding based on deprivation, low attainment and for pupils whose first language is not English.
Following Mr Finch’s criticism Mr Turner had failed to visit any of Island Innovation Trust’s schools — Medina and Carisbrooke Colleges or Island Innovation VI Form campus — in the last five years, Mr Turner said he often visited schools 'almost invariably in response to an invitation.’

Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk