The decision, taken today (Tuesday, 22 April), by Councillor Roz Chadd, the County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, followed scrutiny by cross-party county councillors on the Local Authority’s Children and Young People Select Committee.
The decision comes as a new secondary school in North Whiteley is planned, subject to planning consent, to meet the anticipated demand for between 900 and 1,200 school places across the Whiteley area, once the development of the area is complete.
While needed to meet future demand, the delivery of the new school in North Whiteley would also have a significant impact on The Henry Cort Community College, which currently takes pupils from across the Whiteley area. As more families in Whiteley are expected to move their children to the new school in North Whiteley from September 2027, it is anticipated that Henry Cort would see a corresponding reduction in its pupil numbers, and consequently in its funding from Government, which is allocated on a per-pupil basis. This in turn would lead to a reduced curriculum, staffing recruitment and retention difficulties, an impact on children’s educational outcomes, significant financial challenges - and ultimately, an unviable future.
The decision to relocate Henry Cort follows an informal public consultation last year, and a statutory public consultation earlier this year. Commenting on the decision, Councillor Chadd said: “Thank you to everyone who provided their feedback during our consultations.
“I have fully considered the issues raised by local parents relating to travel, possible disruption for those in their key exam years and the wider impact on the educational offer across Fareham. I have also carefully listened to explanation of the rigorous steps that will be taken by the Local Authority and staff at Henry Cort to minimise any adverse impacts, alongside the detailed rationale for relocation, presented by County Council officers.
“While I appreciate that today’s decision does not reflect all views on this matter, I am confident that it is the right one to protect the school’s future and ensure a strong and stable educational offer across Whiteley and Fareham in the longer term.
“Evidence clearly shows that secondary schools with low pupil numbers struggle; it is important therefore that we mitigate this risk to Henry Cort while ensuring that sufficient school places continue to be available across the wider area.
“Providing long-term stability and a good quality and choice of education in modern facilities for local children is paramount – and this offers the best solution for the continuation of that in this area.”
Chris Rice, Principal of The Henry Cort Community College, added: “My Governors and I recognise that this is the right decision for Henry Cort moving forward. While we fully appreciate that change can be challenging, the relocation will enable the school to remain viable, ensuring ongoing good quality education for local children. We will continue to work closely with the County Council to ensure local parents and pupils are fully supported as the transition is made to the new site from September 2027.”
Today’s decision to relocate Henry Cort in 2027 will be followed by further consultation with the local community on a number of changes to local catchment areas and admissions arrangements. These consultations will take place later this year.
Full details of the background and factors considered in the decision-making process are available in the Decision Day report.