The Fareham and Waterlooville Labour Party is demanding urgent action to stop Hampshire County Council’s plan to close Henry Cort Community College, one of Fareham Town’s three secondary schools. Despite a public consultation showing overwhelming opposition, with 73% of participants rejecting the proposal, the Tory-run council is pressing ahead with plans to close the school and move it to a new secondary school in North Whiteley.

The Labour Party feels a serious need to step in, as Conservative representatives at all levels remain silent on this critical issue. Suella Braverman, Fareham’s Conservative MP, has failed to address the concerns of local families, as have the Conservative Hampshire County Councillors for Fareham Town and the Fareham Borough Council Tory Councillors for Fareham Park. Their inaction leaves the community without leadership on an issue that will profoundly affect young people and families across Fareham.

Labour councillor for the Fort Fareham Ward, Cllr. Gemma Furnivall expressed deep concern about the impact on Fareham Academy, her local secondary school, which will be forced to absorb many displaced and future Henry Cort pupils. She said:

“Fareham Academy is already near capacity, and this proposal will only stretch resources further, potentially lowering the quality of education for all pupils.

“Our schools should be places where every child has the opportunity to thrive, not overcrowded institutions struggling to cope with additional pressures.

“The Council’s plans will leave Fareham families paying the price for poor planning and short-sighted cost-cutting.”

While Hampshire County Council claims the closure will save £500,000 in school transport costs, the Labour Party believes this is not a genuine attempt to protect education at Henry Cort but rather a short-term cost-cutting measure. The Council has failed to account for the long-term implications of closing the school, particularly in light of Fareham’s growing population and the thousands of new homes planned in the Local Plan, which will require more school places, not fewer.

The Labour Party is urging the Council to reconsider its plans and undertake a review of school catchment areas to reflect the significant increase in housing outlined in Fareham’s Local Plan. Additionally, the Council should explore how Henry Cort’s facilities could be better utilized to benefit the community, such as introducing A-level provision to support post-16 education or expanding SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) support.

A Call to Action

Labour is stepping up its campaign to save Henry Cort, recognizing the need for leadership where Conservative representatives have failed. Chair of Fareham and Waterlooville Labour Party said:

“Henry Cort Community College is a vital part of Fareham’s education system, particularly for families in its most deprived areas. Closing it will only deepen inequalities, damage social mobility, and fail our young people.

“The Council must not only review catchment areas but also think creatively about how Henry Cort’s facilities can address wider community needs, such as A-level and SEND provision.

In May, we have the Hampshire County Council elections, I urge everyone in Fareham to give Fareham it’s voice back by voting in hardworking Labour Councillors who will fight to save Henry Cort School.”

On January 14th there will be a formal consultation launched by Hampshire County Council, finishing on February 14th 2025 with a final decision being made in June 2025 after the local elections.

Labour encourages all residents to sign the petition and join the campaign to keep Henry Cort open by getting as many people as possible to take part in the consultation process.

ENDS