As a rural community, many of these schools are small, with average numbers of pupils lower than in many urban areas.
[3] In January 2008, more reforms were put forward, which could see the closure of at least half of the Island's primary schools.
The Isle of Wight Council says it could save up to £2 million a year in money that would be spent on small primary schools, that under the new system, wouldn't be needed.
The 'biggest protest the Island has ever seen'[7] occurred outside County Hall in Newport on Saturday 26 January at 10:00am lasting an hour until 11:00am, led by Isle of Wight Radio DJ Alex Dyke as a result of the Council's plans for education reforms.
The Island MP Andrew Turner, with two other councillors also attended the protest, disagreeing with the plans.
The Isle of Wight College provides a selection of courses, mostly offered on its campus in Newport.
The local Council provides a wide range of adult and community learning opportunities.
[9] From census data taken in 2001, the percentage of qualification levels of people aged 16–74, living on the Isle of Wight are: