Hampshire County Council has confirmed that Smannell and Enham Church of England Primary School, on the edge of Andover, will close from 27 March 2026.
The decision was agreed by Councillor Roz Chadd, Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, at a Decision Day meeting held on Wednesday 31 December 2025.
It follows a statutory consultation held between 20 November and 18 December, as well as an earlier four-week non-statutory consultation in October. The consultation process involved parents, staff, the local community, the Diocese of Winchester and the Department for Education.
Councillor Chadd said the decision had not been taken lightly and came after extensive efforts to support the school and explore alternative options for its future.
She said:
“This decision follows a lengthy process of consultation and tireless work by council officers, the Diocese of Winchester and the Department for Education.
“I am grateful for their continued efforts and wish to express my disappointment that, despite this, the school’s closure is now regrettably the only viable way forward.
“I know that this will be met with great sadness in the local community. I would like to thank all those who have taken part in our consultations and to assure everyone that I have fully reviewed their feedback. Unfortunately, the school’s wider, complex challenges leave us with no other suitable long-term solution.
“We will now work closely with affected staff and any remaining families, taking every step to manage this process as smoothly as possible.”
The council cited a sustained decline in pupil numbers as a key factor behind the decision. At the end of the autumn term, the school had just five pupils on roll, despite having capacity for 105 children. This is the lowest pupil number recorded at any school in Hampshire and is expected to reduce further at the start of the spring term.
Following the closure decision, Hampshire County Council will begin discussions with remaining staff and recognised trade unions regarding employment options. Tailored support and guidance will be provided to individuals where required.
The council’s Admissions team will also be available to support parents and carers with any queries relating to in-year school applications.