DESC won't accept recommendation to 'rationalise' primary schools

Independent review into school funding published

An independent review into the way schools are funded on the Isle of Man has been published.

It has recommended changing the school funding formula, reviewing additional educational needs, optimising recruitment processes and introducing efficiency metrics.

The review – carried out by Premier Advisory Group and MLG Education Services – also recommends that the ‘most inefficient primary schools’ are ‘rationalised’.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Daphne Caine said: “The reviews have provided a solid foundation to continue the development of a meaningful, long-term strategy for education.

“Education is the cornerstone of our society and it is essential that we continue to invest in our children and young people.

“We will ensure that we work with education professionals to deliver the actions identified in the department’s response to the review.”

The DESC says it does not accept the recommendation to ‘rationalise primary schools’ saying it recognises the value of schools serving their communities whilst students’ educational outcomes remain strong.

You can find the full report, which was commissioned by the Council of Ministers, HERE.

You can find the department's response HERE.