Education on the Isle of Wight is provided by local education authority-maintained schools on the Isle of Wight, and independent schools. As a rural community, many of these schools are small, with average numbers of pupils lower than in many urban areas. It was decided on 19 March 2008, in a Whole Council Meeting, that the three-tier system would change into a two tier system. A report into the report on the re-organisation with proposals as to which schools would close was published in May 2008. There is also a college on the Isle of Wight and other less formal educational venues. School system The Isle of Wight now conforms to the general pattern of education in the United Kingdom in which pupils at state schools change schools at the age of eleven (see Education in England). Pupils at both of the island's independent schools also change school at the age of eleven. State schools on the island now uses a two-tier system. Types of school The following types of school now exist: State schools Primary Schools – There are 41 primary schools on the island, taking pupils from age four plus to eleven[the reception year to year 6]. Nineteen of these primary schools are Church of England or Catholic aided or controlled. Most primary schools have pre-school facilities. Secondary Schools – There are six secondary schools, taking pupils from age 11 to 18 (compulsory years 7 to 11 and sixth form years 12 and 13). Additionally there is one studio school taking pupils from age 13 to 18 (compulsory years 9 to 11 and sixth form years 12 and 13). Carisbrooke College, (near Newport) – Sports Specialist Cowes Enterprise College – Science Specialist Isle of Wight Studio School - Studio school Medina College – Performance Arts Specialist Ryde Academy – Language and Arts College Sandown Bay Academy – Sports Specialist Christ the King College – Maths & ICT Specialist Independent schools There are two independent schools on the Isle of Wight, which educate pupils from the early years to the age of 18: Priory School, (Whippingham) Junior School for pupils aged 4 to 11 years Senior School for pupils aged 11 to 16 years Sixth Form for pupils aged 16 to 18 years Ryde School with Upper Chine, (Ryde) Fiveways (pre-prep) for pupils aged 3 to 7 years Prep School for pupils aged 7 to 11 years Senior School