Two new schools to replace Sheppey Oasis Academy

The proposal is for the single Oasis Academy on the Isle of Sheppey to be replaced by two new schools

Proposals have been put forward for a failing academy in Kent to be replaced by two new schools.

The Oasis Academy on the Isle of Sheppey was rated inadequate by Ofsted in August 2022, with inspectors finding pupils using "foul, homophobic, racist and sexist language".

In February it was agreed it would be taken over by a new trust.

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed Leigh Academies Trust and EKC Schools Trust have been identified as the preferred trusts to take over.

The Leigh Academies Trust will run a more academic school, while the EKC Schools Trust will offer more vocational and technical courses.

In a statement, the Oasis Academy said: “A proposal to replace the existing school with two smaller secondary schools was announced today.

"We will continue to work with the DfE and others while this process continues.

"Our priority will remain our young people and the wider academy community we serve, and our dedicated, hardworking staff."

'Brighter future'

The decision has been welcomed by Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson and Mike Whiting, who represents Sheppey on Kent County Council and used to be the authority's cabinet member for education.

Mr Whiting said: "I think these proposals will mean a much brighter future for the people of Sheppey.

"We've lost too many generations to this experiment."

He also said having two schools would provide a greater choice for parents.

Mr Henderson said the plan could mean more children being schooled on the island instead of having to go to the mainland.

He said: "Children will still leave the island for the grammar schools, but that's about 300.

"It's the other 700 children that leave Sheppey every day to go to high schools in Sittingbourne, when they could just as easily go to high schools on Sheppey."

The DfE said the next stage would be for the two trusts to formally consult with the community on their plans.