Portsmouth parents asked to have their say on primary school shake-up
Southsea Infant and Craneswater Junior could merge under plans for September 2028
Portsmouth parents are being asked to have their say on plans to reorganise primary schools across the city amid falling pupil numbers.
Portsmouth City Council is proposing to consult on changes affecting schools in Southsea, Milton and the surrounding areas, with the plans potentially coming into effect in September 2028.
The proposals include merging Southsea Infant School and Craneswater Junior School to create a two-form-entry primary school on the Craneswater site.
Bramble Infant School, Cumberland Infant School and Manor Infant School could also be converted into one-form-entry primary schools, allowing children to remain at the same school throughout their primary education.
The council is proposing to reduce admission numbers at Wimborne Primary School and Fernhurst Junior School, with the changes collectively removing 70 places a year group at Key Stage 1 and 60 at Key Stage 2.
During the decision meeting, Councillor Lamara Fudge said that many schools have faced staff redundancies and asked what support schools would have relating to recruitment.
In response, officers said HR considerations would be made after the consultation process.
Cllr Nick Dorrington, cabinet lead for children, families and education said: “Portsmouth City Council and certainly myself don’t make any of these decisions lightly.
“When we move over the consultation it really is a chance for people to put their views and opinions across.”
A report says the changes are needed because falling pupil numbers are putting schools under financial pressure.
In September, just 240 of 310 available Reception places were filled across five infant and primary schools in Southsea. At Manor Infant School, only 44 of 90 available places were taken.
The proposals also include developing additional specialist and inclusion provision at Penbridge Junior School, St Paul’s CE Primary School and Cottage Grove Primary School.
The council forecasts the number of primary-aged children with an education, health and care plan will rise by 48 per cent, from 1,227 in January 2026 to 1,822 by January 2029.
The consultation is due to run from October 21 to December 1, 2026.