# Isle of Wight education and transport changes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/isle-of-wight-education-and-transport-changes > Updated: 2026-10-08T07:34:33.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. The Isle of Wight Council has implemented changes to local education services and is preparing for a broader review of school provision. In September, the council announced that six school bus routes serving various colleges and academies would be opened to the general public to maximize transport capacity. This decision drew criticism from parents who described the move as an ‘outrageous’ breach of safety and raised safeguarding concerns. By October, the council announced a detailed review of primary school provision driven by a 22 per cent decline in children starting Reception over the last seven years. With 247 unfilled spots currently available, the council warned of increasing financial pressure and potential budget deficits for schools. The review, overseen by a specialist adviser and stakeholder group, will examine financial sustainability, community impact, and transport. While no closures are currently proposed, the council stated that future decisions regarding capacity will involve consultation with staff, parents, and the community. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Isle of Wight Council to review primary school provision The Isle of Wight Council will review primary school provision after Reception pupil numbers fell by 22% over seven years, creating surplus places and financial pressures for local schools. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/isle-of-wight-council-to-review-primary-school-provision ### 2026-09-10: Isle of Wight Council opens school bus routes to the public Isle of Wight Council is opening six school bus routes to the general public to improve value for money, sparking safeguarding concerns from parents. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/isle-of-wight-council-opens-school-bus-routes-to-the-public --- Cite as: Isle of Wight education and transport changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/isle-of-wight-education-and-transport-changes