"Realistically we are looking at a large number of primary schools that will need to close," an Isle of Wight councillor has said, as new figures reveal there will be nearly 400 empty places in primary schools here by  by September 2027.

That is equivalent to 30 per cent of all places - or 11 empty primary school classes.

Cllr Tig Outlaw highlighted the numbers at a meeting of the Isle of Wight Council's policy and scrutiny committee for children's education and said the council would 'need to close a minimum of eight to ten, or a maximum of 15 plus', schools.

He said even if there was a sudden burst of births on the Island it wouldn't be enough to keep all the schools open.

The council's new children's service director, Ashley Whittaker, said the authority has made no decisions about any closures yet, adding those in charge are "not at that stage" and are in "more of a listening mode."

The authority will, in the coming months, engage with and listen to parents, children and staff about what they think should happen.

A consultation could be launched in June, Mr Whittaker, said to work out which schools would be "appropriate to close or amend."

If the plans move ahead, schools would be named in September.

Mr Whittaker said council recognises the sensitivities and that it is a complex matter.

He said consultation and engagement sessions need to be as honest, open and transparent as possible.

"This is a whole-Island approach," Mr Whittaker said.

"I know there have been discussions in the past, but we are starting with a blank sheet of paper.

"This piece of work is one element to drive up outcomes and the quality of education."

Finance is also a concern, he said.

"This is going to be a difficult.

"There is significant uncertainty and if we didn't have to go through this, I think we would all choose that.

"It is in the best interests of children, young people and their families.

"We are confident, at the end of this we will have an education system which is fit for purpose," Mr Whittaker said.