Agenda item

To consider a report regarding the relocation of The Henry Cort Community College to the new North Whiteley secondary school site ahead of a decision by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report setting out proposals to relocate The Henry Cort Community College to the new North Whiteley secondary school site with effect from September 2027.

Members noted the proposals for the new secondary school to open in September 2027 to serve the Whiteley development and that the new school would initially be built as 900 places with the potential to expand to 1,200 places if future demand required. The Committee noted the feedback and local concerns from the consultations and public drop-in events which had taken place.

The Committee reviewed alternative options including the possibility of opening the new Whiteley school while retaining the existing Henry Cort site. Members discussed the potential negative educational and financial implications associated with a significant decline in pupil numbers at Henry Cort, including challenges in retaining teaching staff, delivering a broad and balanced curriculum and maintaining staff morale.

The Committee was assured that all eligible children would be provided with school transport to the new site and that existing arrangements for those who missed the main school bus would remain in place as part of any relocation. Members highlighted that enabling and encouraging attendance was key in supporting children’s education. Members also acknowledged that changes to catchment areas would be necessary in the event of a relocation, including the requirement to undertake a formal consultation process in Autumn 2025.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that:

·         If Henry Cort were to be relocated, school leaders would work with the County Council to consider the best arrangements for pupils in Years 10 and 11 who would have embarked on their GCSE courses.

·         Staff at Henry Cort were supportive of the relocation proposal and the opportunities to continue providing a broad curriculum in a new, fit for purpose school environment.

·         The transition of teaching staff as a whole to the new site would ensure consistency of education and educational outcomes for children.

·         The new school site would offer community provision, including a sports block with play courts, two all-weather sports pitches, grass playing fields and car parking facilities. Discussions had taken place with existing sports clubs currently using the Henry Cort facilities and officers were mindful of ensuring continued community access.

·         The development of new, state-of-the-art school facilities was intended to foster an inspiring and stimulating environment designed to engage students and enhance their motivation to learn.

·         The existing educational provision within Fareham would offer more than sufficient capacity to accommodate all pupils residing within the Fareham catchment areas.

·         A gradual reduction in the use of school transport over a period of three to four years was anticipated, as children residing within the designated catchment areas of North Whiteley and Fareham would be able to walk safely to their local schools.

·         Officers had knowledge of planned local housing developments and were confident of the availability of sufficient school places to meet future demand.

·         The new school was being developed in collaboration with local children and families, ensuring their input shaped the vision and design. It would be the responsibility of the school to engage with the community to support them throughout potential relocations. Additionally, the County Council was actively liaising with linked primary schools to coordinate the transition of pupils expected to move on to secondary school within the area.

·         Any decisions regarding changes to school uniform or regarding a name for the new Whiteley school would be determined locally by the school governing body and not by the County Council.

·         Officers were in regular communication with school admission teams at neighbouring Local Authorities and had been assured of more than sufficient capacity in the area for local children to attend the schools within their designated catchment area.

·         No decisions had been made and no discussions had been held regarding the future use of the Henry Cort site.

·         The developer contributions that had been received were allocated for spending within Whiteley and could not be assigned to other areas within Hampshire.

Members voted on the proposals and the outcome of the vote was below:

For: 8

Against: 6

Abstain: 1

RESOLVED:

That the Children and Young People Select Committee recommend to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services that she approves the relocation of The Henry Cort Community College to the new North Whiteley secondary school site with effect from September 2027.