The planned merger between Ryde and Sandown Bay academies came as a shock to governors, it has been claimed.
In a letter to parents and carers of Ryde pupils, chair of governors Lesley Holmes said neither the governors nor principal Joy Ballard were consulted about the Academies Enterprise Trust  proposals.
Speaking today (Friday), Cllr Chris Whitehouse, who leads on education for the Isle of Wight Council, said: “It is truly shocking AET would propose such a merger without the professional courtesy of even discussing it with either set of governors or the heads of either school.
“I agree entirely with every word Ryde Academy’s chair of governors says in this letter of complete opposition to the proposal.
“The sooner it is dropped, the better for the children and staff of both schools.”
In the letter, Lesley Holmes outlined why the merger “is not in the best interests of students, parents or the communities of either school.”
Reasons cited were lack of capacity, negative impact on post-16 students, the need for both Sandown and Ryde to have local schools, concern “about the impact of this proposed merger on Ryde Academy’s own journey to ‘outstanding,’” and disruption it would cause to students.
The letter concluded: “The Ryde Academy governing body will respond to the consultation, stating in the strongest terms the negative impact that this proposed merger would have on both schools and their communities.
“As long as the local Governing Body remains in place at Ryde Academy, we will continue to support Mrs Ballard, the leadership team and our school.”