Peel Common Primary School to receive major upgrade

In January, the former Peel Common Infant and Junior schools merged to form the 210-pupil Peel Common Primary School, which also includes a nursery unit with 26 spaces. Hampshire County Council will this month begin a £750,000 refurbishment project, focusing on nursery and Key Stage 1 (Years R, 1, and 2) classrooms, as well as outdoor play areas. The project is scheduled for completion by Easter this year.

The planned upgrades include:

- Refurbishment of three Key Stage 1 classrooms
- Installation of new toilets suitable for younger children
- Development of a nursery classroom with separate toilets, a nappy changing area, and a kitchenette
- Enhancements to external play areas, including new fencing and a canopy for all-weather outdoor play.

The refurbishment project has been agreed by the school and was approved by Councillor Steve Forster, the County Council’s Executive Member for Education, at his Decision Day on Wednesday, 12 February.

He said: “I am delighted that Peel Common Primary School is now up and running, and that both staff and pupils are embracing the benefits of a unified primary school.

“These improvements are the final step in the successful transition to the new school, bringing all year groups under one roof. The enhanced facilities will improve both classroom and outdoor learning opportunities for all ages from nursery up to Year 6. “Works will be carried out on four existing classrooms without needing to close the school. Measures will be put in place to ensure safety and minimal disruption to school activities.

The project forms part of Hampshire’s capital programme for schools, a £500 million, three-year programme of investment in upgrading and developing school infrastructure throughout the county by 2028. With financial pressures outlined in the Directorate's 2025/26 revenue budget, the programme aims to secure funding for approved projects from external sources, including contributions from developers and central government.