The recommendation to close the school was agreed by Councillor Roz Chadd, the authority’s Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, at her Decision Day meeting today (Wednesday, 31 December). It follows a recent statutory consultation between 20 November and 18 December, and an earlier four-week non-statutory consultation in October.
Councillor Chadd commented: “This decision is not taken lightly and follows a lengthy process of consultation and tireless work – by council officers, the Diocese of Winchester and the Department for Education – to support the school and explore alternative options for its future. I am grateful for their continued efforts and wish to express my disappointment that despite this, the school’s closure is now regrettably the only viable way forward.
“I know that this will be met with great sadness in the local community. I would like to thank all those who have taken part in our consultations and to assure everyone that I have fully reviewed their feedback. It has been essential to consider this alongside the school’s many wider, complex challenges, which unfortunately leave us with no other suitable, long-term solution.
“We will now work closely with affected staff and any remaining families, taking every step to manage this process as smoothly as possible.”
The decision to close the school follows a decline in pupil numbers in recent years, with just five children on roll at the end of the autumn term, despite an overall capacity for 105 pupils. This is the lowest number of children attending any Hampshire school and is expected to decrease even further for the start of the spring term.
Following the decision to close the school, discussions will now take place with the remaining staff and the recognised trade unions about their employment, with tailored support and guidance provided to each individual. Where needed, the authority’s Admissions team will support parents with any queries about making in-year applications.