Planning permission granted for new secondary school in North Whiteley

The County Council’s Regulatory Committee has approved the plans for the school, which is set to open in September 2027, with building work due to commence on site this summer.

The site itself was secured as part of wider approvals for the development of North Whiteley and will support the delivery of around 3,500 new homes in the area. The new school is intended to meet the anticipated demand for secondary school places across Whiteley, with scope to expand to a 1,200-place school if needed, in the future.

Councillor Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Today marks a significant moment for Whiteley families and I want to thank everyone involved in the many years of planning and hard work that have brought us to this point. The school will provide a vital new amenity for the Whiteley community, and I look forward to following the progress of its delivery over the next two years.”

Designed by Hampshire County Council’s expert Property Services team, the new school will include a three-storey main building providing classrooms, drama studio, and assembly and dining halls, with a separate two-storey sports block featuring a four-court sports hall and multi-use activity studio. The main building will also include a dedicated Resourced Provision for 15 children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with its own outdoor area. A Resourced Provision is a specialist environment for children with SEND within a mainstream school.

Outside, the site will provide two all-weather sports pitches, grass playing fields and a multi-use games area. The school’s sports facilities and assembly hall will be available for community use outside school hours.

The site will include a range of measures to reduce carbon emissions and ensure resilience to climate change, and links with the local footpath and cycle network to encourage families and staff to walk and cycle to school.

Following a recent decision by Hampshire County Council and consultation with the public, the new school is to be run by The Henry Cort Community College, which will relocate from its current site in Fareham to the new building in North Whiteley from September 2027.