1.  Notice is hereby given, in accordance with The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 (‘the Prescribed Alterations Regulations’) and the Education and Inspections Act 2006, that Hampshire County Council, Elizabeth II Court, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8UG intends to discontinue ORCHARD LEA INFANT SCHOOL, Kennedy Avenue, Fareham, PO15 6BJ (category of school – Community) and to establish a primary school by extending the age range of ORCHARD LEA JUNIOR SCHOOL, Kennedy Avenue, Fareham, PO15 6BJ (category of school – Community) with effect from 1 July 2028.

2.  The Department for Education (DfE) School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) has identified Orchard Lea Infant School and Orchard Lea Junior School as requiring replacement or significant refurbishment. 

3.  The proposed amalgamation to form a 2fe primary school within one school building presents a better opportunity for the schools to secure a fit for future rebuild via the DfE School Rebuilding Programme and will consolidate the budget position with a settled pupil number intake and organisational structure. Therefore, the amalgamation of the two schools through the extension of the age range of the Junior School and closure of the Infant School is being proposed by both Hampshire County Council and the governing body of the federation.

4.  The schools’ governing body recognise this need and have requested that the LA consult on an amalgamation. If approved, this will result in the closure of Orchard Lea Infant School and the extension in age range, to provide primary education on the Orchard Lea Junior School site, catering for pupils from age 4-11 years. The DFE SRP will fully cover all capital costs.

5.  The development of a single building on the site of the current Junior School will provide up to 420 places across Year R to Year 6 and is sufficient to meet local demand. The school will admit up to 60 pupils into Year R.

6.  Places will be available at Orchard Lea Primary School for all pupils on roll at Orchard Lea Infant School and Orchard Lea Junior School when the newly created primary school opens on 1 July 2028. 

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

Contact:

Email: Email: [email protected]