Hampshire County Council is to recommend closing Peel Common Infant School and Nursery Unit and extending the age range of Peel Common Junior School, to create an all-through primary school and nursery unit from 1 January 2025. The recommendation for the two schools in Rowner, Gosport follows an informal four-week public consultation in winter 2023 and, most recently, a four-week statutory consultation which closed on 26 March.

This consultation process was undertaken at the request of both schools’ governing bodies which have raised growing concerns about low pupil numbers and the associated impacts on the schools’ respective finances, educational standards, and ongoing viability.

A report outlining the responses to the recent statutory consultation and recommendations for the future of the two schools will be considered by the Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Edward Heron, at his upcoming Decision Day on Tuesday, 14 May.

The recommendation to close the infant school and extend the age range of the junior school follows a decline in pupil numbers in recent years, resulting in significant budget pressures. A single primary school would provide a stronger financial position, staffing structure and stable pupil numbers. It would also bring greater continuity in terms of how the curriculum is delivered and a more consistent approach to children’s learning, while removing the need for transition between Year 2 in the infant school to Year 3 in the junior school.

If agreed, the new primary school would cater for children aged three to 11 years and would accommodate one class of 30 pupils per year group, operating under one governing body.

Full details of the recommendations for the two schools can be found on the County Council’s website.