1. Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 15 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and The School Organisation (Establishment and Discontinuance of Schools) Regulations 2013 that Hampshire County Council, Elizabeth II Court, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8UG intends to discontinue AMPFIELD CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL, Knapp Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 9BT (category of school – Voluntary Controlled Church of England) with effect from 31 August 2024.

2. Ampfield Church of England Primary School is a small Church of England school located in Romsey, Test Valley. It is an 84-place primary school for pupils aged 4-11 (12 children per year group). The proposal is to close Ampfield Church of England Primary School with effect from 31 August 2024.

3. Ampfield CE Primary School had 20 pupils on roll as of January 2024, two of whom live in the Ampfield catchment area. A reduction in the birth rate nationally over recent years together with a lack of housing developments within the Ampfield catchment area has led to falling school rolls. The school is currently operating 1 class at KS1 and 1 class at KS2. Whilst teaching the national curriculum in mixed age classes is not unusual, teaching across more than one key stage, or across 3 or 4 year groups is both complex and challenging. The closure of Ampfield Church of England Primary School is therefore being proposed due to continuing challenges the school are facing. Places will be available for all pupils affected by the closure of Ampfield Church of England Primary School (including those with special educational needs) at John Keble Church of England Primary School, Hursley. The two schools are currently federated.

4. Transport will be provided for any pupils who qualify under the authority’s published policy: https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/schooltransport

5. This Notice is an extract from the complete proposal. Copies of the complete proposal may be obtained from Mark Saunders, Senior Strategic Development Officer, Children’s Services Department, EII Court North, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UG; e-mail: [email protected]

6. Within five weeks from the date of publication of these proposals, any person may object or make comments on the proposal by sending them to Mark Saunders, Senior Strategic Development Officer, Children’s Services Department, EII Court North, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UG; e-mail: [email protected]

Contact:

Email: [email protected]