Welborne: Fareham parents warned about potential school catchment changes to Orchard Lea schools
Fareham parents could see changes to school entry rules because of the Welborne development
Families in Fareham could see changes to school admission catchment areas under proposals linked to the new Welborne primary school, which is due to open in 2028.
Hampshire County Council has launched a consultation on plans to change the catchment areas for Orchard Lea Infant School and Orchard Lea Junior School in Fareham as part of preparations for the major Welborne development.
The authority says the changes are needed to establish a catchment area for the new primary school, which is set to open in September 2028 and will serve families living in the growing Welborne community.
If approved, some areas that currently fall within the Orchard Lea catchment could become part of the new school’s catchment area. Existing admission arrangements would remain in place until any changes are introduced.
The new primary school is part of the Welborne development, one of Hampshire’s largest housing projects.
Around 6,000 homes are planned for the site north of Fareham, creating a need for more school places in the area.
By reviewing catchment boundaries now, the council aims to ensure enough places for future pupils.
The new primary school is expected to open with one reception class of 30 pupils before expanding over time to provide places for up to 420 children aged between four and 11.
Parents, carers, school staff and residents are being invited to review the proposals and submit their views before a final decision is made.
The consultation will run until July 3. Comments can be submitted online by emailing [email protected].
Responses will be considered as part of a separate statutory consultation on admission arrangements due to take place between November and December 2026.
A final decision is expected to be made by the cabinet member for education in February 2027.