The council is due to consider proposed changes to eight schools in Portsmouth that provide infant, junior and primary education. Most of the schools are in Southsea and one is in Fratton.
If agreed, the changes would take effect from September 2028.
Proposed changes
The proposals are to:
- merge Southsea Infant School and Craneswater Junior School into a two-form primary school with admissions numbers meaning it would eventually be located on the Craneswater site only - the changes would take place gradually and the the Southsea Infants building would be used for other council services for families
- change both Bramble Infant School and Cumberland Infant School to one-form primary schools which means that children starting at these schools from Sept 2028 would stay there until secondary school
- reduce pupil numbers at Fernhurst Junior School to 60 per year, which matches year numbers at Devonshire Infant School, meaning that pupils will have a clear school journey across the two schools and would not need to reapply to junior school
- reduce pupil numbers at Wimborne Primary school to 60 per year, and to no longer admit an additional 20 children into Year 3 - this change, alongside other proposed changes at local schools, would improve transition between Years 2 and 3, and release classroom spaces
- change Manor Infant School in Fratton from a three-form infant school to a one-form primary school which means that children joining in September 2028 would stay there until secondary school
The proposals will go to the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education on Tuesday 20 October.
If the cabinet member agrees, we will launch a consultation on the proposed changes on Wednesday 21 October. We will write to all interested parties, including parents and carers of children, staff, and governors at the schools to inform them of the consultation.
We are also looking to create extra inclusion provision at Penbridge Junior School, St Paul's Catholic Primary School, and Cottage Grove Primary School.
Why are these changes proposed?
Portsmouth currently has more primary school places than are needed in some parts of the city. This reflects national trends and creates an opportunity to plan and make sure schools remain strong, sustainable and able to provide the best possible education for children in the future.
The proposed changes would help create clearer education journeys for children, make the best use of school buildings and resources, and support the long-term sustainability of schools. The plans also include additional provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping more children access support closer to home.
This approach will help ensure Portsmouth continues to have the right school places in the right locations for future generations.