Name of new multi-million pound secondary school which will open in Whiteley next year revealed

The name of a new secondary school currently under construction to meet growing demand has been revealed.

Whiteley Secondary School will be run by The Henry Cort Community College, which will relocate from its current site in Fareham to the building from September 2027. The school will then become the catchment area for secondary students across Whiteley, while Fareham will then be served by Cams Hill School and Fareham Academy.

Designed by Hampshire County Council’s property services team, the new school in North Whiteley will have a capacity of 900 student places and scope to expand to 1,200 if needed in future as 3,500 homes are built in the area.

In a letter sent to parents, Henry Cort Community School’s headteacher, Chris Rice, said: “The new name marks the beginning of a new era for the school as we continue to support the success of our students for many years to come. I would also like to provide reassurance about arrangements for students currently attending the school.

“All year groups will move to the new site together in September 2027. No students will remain on the current site after the move. Families can therefore be confident that the school community will continue together in its new home, with all students benefiting from the new facilities from the first day the school opens on the new site.”

Once complete, it will feature a three-storey main building with classrooms, drama studio, and assembly and dining halls, with a separate two-storey sports block featuring a four-court sports hall and multi-use activity studio.

The school, which is being built by Kier Construction, reached a major milestone in July of this year as it reached its full height, with stakeholders visiting the site for a “topping out” ceremony to celebrate. The commemoration was attended by Councillor Roz Chadd, the local authority’s cabinet lead member for children’s services, and Councillor Juliet Henderson, cabinet member for education.

Mr Rice added: “With a new school name and logo, we will also need to consider adjustments to the school uniform. While no decisions have yet been made, our starting point is that any changes should be kept to a minimum wherever possible. Governors are clear that any changes must be affordable for families and consistent with Department for Education guidance on the cost of school uniform.

“Where changes are required, we would also expect to introduce a phased transition period to help avoid unnecessary additional costs.

“Before final decisions are taken about uniform, we will seek feedback from parents, carers and students so that views can be considered as part of the process. Further information about how this will take place will be shared in due course.”

The building is due to be complete next year.