A statutory consultation on the proposed closure of Smannell and Enham Church of England Primary School will begin on 20 November, following Hampshire County Council’s decision to move to the next stage of the process.
The decision was confirmed by Councillor Roz Chadd, Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, at her Decision Day meeting on Wednesday, 19 November. It follows an earlier four-week non-statutory consultation held in October, which gathered initial feedback from parents, staff and the local community.
Falling Pupil Numbers Leave School in an Unsustainable Position
The school, located just over a mile northeast of Andover, now has only 14 pupils on roll, despite having space for 105. This is the lowest pupil number of any school in Hampshire and reflects a wider national drop in birth rates.
The extremely low intake means children are taught in mixed-age classes across just two groups. Although staff have been working to strengthen teaching of the National Curriculum, the structure makes it significantly harder to meet the full range of pupils’ needs.
Councillor Chadd said the decision had not been taken lightly:
“Despite extensive work from the County Council, the Diocese and the Department for Education, no suitable long-term solution has been found. A statutory consultation is necessary to ensure the final decision is fully informed and in the best interests of the children.”
Inadequate Ofsted Rating and Academy Order
The school was judged ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted in May 2024, triggering an Academy Order requiring the school to convert to academy status.
Despite efforts to secure a sponsor, no academy trust has been willing or able to take the school on. Alternative solutions, such as federating with another local school, cannot legally be considered while the Academy Order remains in place.
Staffing and Financial Pressures
Like many small schools, Smannell and Enham has struggled to recruit and retain permanent staff. Some pupils have experienced multiple staff changes over the last academic year.
The school’s financial position has also become increasingly difficult, as funding is tied directly to pupil numbers. The County Council says the school cannot be sustained without further impact on educational quality.
Statutory Consultation to Open 20 November
The statutory consultation period will run from 20 November to 18 December. During this time, parents, staff and members of the local community can submit their views on the closure proposal.
After the consultation closes, a final decision is expected before the end of the year.
Proposed Closure Date Moved to March 2026
If the school closes, this would take place on 27 March 2026. The date has been moved back from the original proposal of 13 February 2026 following community feedback.
The County Council has said it will work closely with families to ensure suitable places are available at other local schools. The Admissions Team will support parents with in-year applications if needed.