A consultation will launch on Friday regarding plans to merge Havant’s Federation of Riders Infant and Junior Schools with Park Community School, creating an all-through education facility for pupils aged four to 16.
Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Roz Chadd, approved the informal consultation during today’s Decision Day meeting. The proposed merger would establish a comprehensive school serving children from Reception through Year 11, with implementation planned for September 2026.
The consultation period will run from Friday 27th June until Monday 28th July, with residents, families, and school staff invited to share their opinions on the proposal.
Councillor Chadd also endorsed amalgamations for Pennington Church of England Infant and Junior Schools in Lymington, and Orchard Lea Infant and Junior Schools in Fareham, following earlier statutory consultations this year. These decisions reflect ongoing challenges from declining pupil numbers affecting primary schools across the county.
“Both locally and nationally, low birth years are now working through the system,” Councillor Chadd explained. “School funding directly correlates with pupil numbers, creating significant budget pressures and threatening long-term stability. We’re well-prepared to manage both surpluses and shortages whilst minimising impacts on individual schools through appropriate amalgamations.”
The Riders Federation has experienced declining enrolments over recent years, whilst both infant and junior schools currently hold ‘Requires Improvement’ Ofsted ratings. Park Community School maintains a ‘Good’ rating since 2017.
Both governing bodies requested the consultation, recognising that merging with Park Community School would create a more financially sustainable arrangement whilst preserving primary education provision locally. Forecasts indicate continuing demand for 30 places per primary year group.
The all-through model would eliminate pupil transitions between key stages, providing educational continuity from ages four to 16. Staff would benefit from expanded resources and sustained family engagement over extended periods, potentially improving teaching quality and pupil outcomes.
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If approved, the Riders Federation would close whilst Park Community School’s age range would extend to accommodate Reception through Year 11 pupils. The merged institution would operate across both existing sites.
Following the consultation, feedback will be presented to Councillor Chadd at October’s Decision Day meeting. If endorsed, the proposal would proceed to formal statutory consultation later this year.
Consultation details, including public drop-in sessions, will be available on Hampshire County Council’s website from Friday.
