Consultation on the amalgamation of Orchard Lea Infant School and Orchard Lea Junior School within a single primary school

Background

As part of the Department for Education (DfE) School Rebuilding Programme (SRP), both schools have been identified for replacement or, significant refurbishment. SRP carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools.

Following an initial feasibility study for the Junior School building, and the subsequent identification of the Infant School to be part of the programme, HCC engaged with the DfE to explore the option of a combined scheme that would result in a single building suitable for a 2fe Primary School.

Pupil forecasts over the next five years indicate that there is a 2fe (form of entry) or 60 pupils per year group demand for places in the locality.

The development of a single 2fe building, and the subsequent amalgamation of the two existing schools, through the extension of the age range of the Junior School, is the preferred option for both HCC and the governing body of the federation. A single building would further support the sustainability of the two schools given the reduced costs associated with running two buildings.

It is possible that, following further feasibility studies, the DfE propose to proceed with a scheme that does not result in a single building. Should this be the case, the decision to amalgamate would need to be re-considered, given that the potential gains associated with a single building, would not be realised.

The proposal

As a result of the potential investment from the DfE through their SRP Hampshire County Council and the governing body of the federation feel that amalgamation of the two existing schools, is the preferred option. If approved this will result in the closure of Orchard Lea Infant and the extension in age range, to provide primary education on the Orchard Lea Junior School site. The school will continue to offer 60 places for Year R (age 4+). If agreed, it is anticipated that this proposed change would take effect from July 2028.

Supporting Documents

Orchard Lea Infant and Junior School Consultation FAQs

Consultation - we want to hear your views

We would like to hear your views on this proposal. We are therefore consulting with you and other interested parties over the coming weeks.

This consultation will run from Monday 4 November until Monday 2 December 2024. A drop-in session will be held at Orchard Lea Junior School to be held on Wednesday 27 November from 3pm to 6pm. At this session, you will have an opportunity to discuss the proposals with the school leaders, governors and Hampshire County Council officers.

Officers will take into consideration all the consultation responses received before deciding whether the proposal should continue to the formal publication stage.

A report will then be taken to a future Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services Decision Day and if amalgamation is recommended and approved will seek approval for a statutory Public Notice to be published. It is anticipated that the Public Notice will be published in February 2025.

After the date of publication, there will be a four-week period in which any representations can be made. After the conclusion of this period a report on the outcome will be taken to Executive Lead Member for Children's Services with recommendations. Recommendation/s if approved would be implemented July 2028.

Further information

If you are unable to attend the session detailed in this letter and wish to make a comment, please write to Amanda Vaughan, Strategic Development Officer, Children’s Services Department, EII Court North, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UG or e-mail [email protected] by Monday 2 December.