Majority back reforms in Education (Amendment) Bill consultation

Survey of 387 people finds strong backing to update Island’s education law

The Isle of Man Government’s plans to modernise education law have received strong public backing, though several proposals remain more contested, according to the results of a recent consultation.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture launched the consultation in May and June, inviting views on its proposed Education (Amendment) Bill.

A total of 387 people responded, including parents, teachers, education professionals, members of the public and organisations.

The Bill seeks to update key provisions of the Island’s education legislation, much of which is more than 20-years-old.

Supporting children in care

One of the most widely supported measures was a proposal to establish a ‘virtual school’ for children in care. Four in five respondents (80.1 percent) agreed this would help promote educational achievement for children subject to care or interim care orders, compared with just over five percent who opposed it.

Several comments highlighted the importance of continuity in education for vulnerable young people, though some misunderstood the idea as a move towards online-only learning.

Alternative provision

Proposals to create new centres for pupils who cannot be safely educated in mainstream or special schools attracted even greater support. Almost 90 percent of respondents backed the measure, with just 14 disagreeing.

Supporters emphasised the benefits of reducing disruption in classrooms and providing tailored environments, though some expressed concern about funding, staffing, and the potential for segregation.

Religious education

Broadening the subject to include multiple religions and philosophies was more divisive. While 242 respondents supported it, 97 opposed it.

Some welcomed the move as overdue, saying it would promote inclusivity and respect between different beliefs, while others argued the Island’s Christian heritage should remain central, or that religious education should be removed altogether.

School admissions and capacity
The most contested proposals centred on school admissions. Just under six in 10 agreed schools should be able to declare year groups full and restrict entry once capacity is reached, while 28 percent disagreed.

Respondents expressed concern about the impact on vulnerable children, transport costs, and the principle of catchment areas.

A related question on giving headteachers the power to refuse admission if it would prejudice existing pupils drew similar concerns. While 276 respondents agreed, 49 opposed the idea and 59 neither agreed nor disagreed.

Comments stressed that such powers should only be used exceptionally, with clear criteria and safeguards against bias.

Safeguarding
Additional safeguarding measures were strongly backed. Around 84 percent supported a new legal framework for information sharing between agencies, and nearly eight in 10 agreed the Department should be able to keep children on a school register where removing them might increase the risk of significant harm.

Respondents repeatedly emphasised the need for multi-agency approaches, though some cautioned against restricting parents’ right to home-school.

Emergency school closures

Support was also high for giving the Department powers to close schools in emergencies, with 346 in favour and just 17 opposed.

While most said children’s safety must come first, some felt headteachers should retain decision-making authority on closures, particularly in situations such as severe weather.

Home education

The proposal requiring parents who home-educate their children to notify the Department annually also gained strong support, with more than 80 percent in agreement.

Respondents believe regular reporting would ensure oversight and safeguarding, though some parents argued one-off notification should be sufficient.

Funding and terminology

Proposals to update rules on educational grants and bursaries were supported by 311 respondents, who highlighted the importance of targeting support towards critical sectors.

Meanwhile, terminology changes – replacing “special educational needs” with “additional educational needs” and moving from “reports” to “personalised learning plans” – were backed by 276 people.

Supporters said the language was more inclusive, but others felt it made little practical difference.

Independent appeals process

Finally, the introduction of a new independent appeals process to cover both admissions and additional educational needs was largely supported. More than 260 respondents agreed, though comments revealed concerns about cost and administrative burden on schools.

Next steps

The Department says it is “grateful” to all those who contributed and confirmed the responses will be used to refine the policy principles before a final Bill is brought before Tynwald for debate.