Public Notice Lionheart School

Lionheart School (formally Island Learning Centre), Newport – enlargement

  1. The Council would like to hear your views on plans to increase the capacity of LIONHEART SCHOOL, Albany Road, Newport, PO30 5HZ (category of school – pupil referral unit) by increasing the capacity of the school with effect from 1 January 2026.
  2. The current capacity of Lionheart School is for 60 pupils aged 11- 16 years olds being a pupil referral unit (PRU) providing specialist alternative provision. The current number of pupils registered at the school is 60 and the proposed Agreed Place Number (APN) would be 120 from 1 January 2026, providing 60 places at the Cowes Primary School, Edinburgh Close, Cowes, PO31 8HF (subject to closure on 31 August 2025).
  3. The Isle of Wight Council is committed to a programme of improving inclusive provision across the school system and meeting the needs of all children and young people effectively within their local schools on the Island.
  4. These additional places are required following the conclusion of a review of the sufficiency of school places and provision, that identified an increase in the proportion of children and young people who are too medically unwell or emotionally vulnerable to access mainstream education in the short-term.
  5. The current APN has been exceeded with a high number of children on part-time timetables, outreach access only or reduced hours. The aim of the increase is to ensure through expansion of the accommodation a full-time offer can be provided for up to 120 children.
  6. This Notice is an extract from the complete proposal. Copies of the complete proposal may be obtained from Jade Kennett, Service Manager - Strategic Development, County Hall, Newport, IOW, PO30 1UD, telephone: 01983 821000 e-mail: strategic.planning@iow.gov.uk
  7. Within four weeks from the date of publication of this proposal, any person may object or make comments on the proposal by sending them to Jade Kennett, Strategic Development, County Hall, Newport, IOW, PO30 1UD, telephone: 01983 821000, e-mail: strategic.planning@iow.gov.uk

Dated: 2 May 2025

Wendy Perera, Chief Executive