The Island Free School held its first Open Evening on Monday 21 October at Rew Valley Sports Centre in Ventnor.

Over 600 parents and community members turned out to hear the new Principal Steph Boyd share his vision for the school. There were opportunities to talk to Mr Boyd, and other members of the Free School team, about everything from the new uniform to the location, which will be shortly announced on this website.

“We were delighted with the number of parents and children who came to our event”, says Steph Boyd. “It was pleasing that so many senior leaders from other secondary schools took time out of their busy schedules to attend the evening. This is an Island school for Island families – and all the feedback that we’re getting from parents and teachers indicates that we are providing something new, exciting and much needed. This will be an outstanding school with excellent pastoral care. All the teachers will be handpicked by me to ensure that they’re good enough for our students. We have high standards and will expect the best from everyone at the school.”

We ran a children’s quiz on the night – the £10 voucher for Waterstones was won by Georgia Fox, age 10, from Shanklin.

The school, which is likely to be in Ventnor, will have a fully academic curriculum and a longer school day than other Island schools, ensuring that all pupils can fulfil their potential.

Group member Steve Jones also shared details of travel arrangements. We now know that free bus travel will be available for some areas and the school will offer subsidised travel for other parents who may otherwise struggle to get their children to the school.

For further information, or to arrange a one-to-one meeting with a member of the team, please get in contact.

Please download the new prospectus here.

We are currently accepting applications for Year 7 places starting in September 2014: apply now.