Move to seek Tynwald approval
The Department of Education, Sport and Leisure says it's received just two formal objections regarding relocation of St Thomas' Church of England Primary School to Scoill Vallajeelt in Braddan.
The proposal would see the schools share a single site, but both would remain separate schools with their own names, identities, headteachers, teachers and governors.
The current St Thomas’ school building, which dates back to 1875, has facilities which its claimed are inadequate for modern-day education. The proposed co-location led to some public concern, with a few MHKs claiming they had been inundated with complaints.
The two objections raised concerns about separation of those with religious beliefs; the loss of an inclusive school environment at Scoill Vallajeelt; limitations with the Scoill Vallajeelt building; traffic concerns; secondary school catchment areas; costs of the relocation; and a desire to integrate the two schools.
The Department has now published its response to the two objections, setting out how the concerns raised have already been addressed and says will now seek approval for the co-location under the Education Act 2001 at the April 2018 sitting of Tynwald.
The move has the support of both schools’ governing bodies and if approved by Tynwald, the two schools would share the Scoill Vallajeelt building from the beginning of the 2018/19 academic year.
Attempted burglary in Ramsey sparks appeal
Two Manx high schools told to stop operating CCTV 'inside' toilets
Port St Mary Commissioners discuss civic amenity site changes
Ramsey residents 'shocked' at Looneys closure announcement
King Gaming's license suspended amidst criminal investigation
Hopes new unit will reduce amount of time patients spend in hospital
