Hove Learning Federation plans for the future

West Hove Infant and Hove Junior schools will be working even more closely together as of next term.

 

The two schools will be run by a single governing body, known as the Hove Learning Federation, starting on September 10. 

 

They are also working with the council on the possibility of re-locating the infant school’s Connaught Road site onto the junior school’s Holland Road site before the end of the next academic year.

 

Councillors will consider a report in September making a recommendation to undertake a full public consultation on the proposed site move.

 

The move is in part a response to a forecast reduction in primary age pupil numbers across the city over the coming years. 

 

But both schools also believe that bringing Connaught Road and Holland Road together onto one site would improve the learning experience for pupils and help maximise long-term financial viability.

 

The chair of the council’s Children, Young People and Skills (CYPS) committee, Councillor Hannah Clare, said: “I think the development of the Hove Learning Federation is an exciting opportunity.

 

“Both schools have a long history of working closely together and believe the proposed move from Connaught Road to Holland Road would be of benefit to both schools.

 

“We are also acutely aware of falling pupil numbers across the city, and the need to plan strategically for the future to ensure the viability of all our schools.

 

"We all agreed that we wanted parents to be aware of this plan before the end of term. We anticipate a public consultation period starting in late September, and want to give parents as much time as possible to consider their views on it.

 

“We are also mindful that it’s something that would affect families who will be going through the school admissions process for September 2022.”

 

In a joint statement, the chairs of governors at West Hove Infant School and Hove Junior School - Julia Wolage, Louise Wilkinson and Lisa Marshall - said:

 

“The proposed site move would enable us to provide a continuous learning provision from Reception through to Year 6 underpinned by a common ethos, vision and values.

 

“Our schools have a strong, cohesive working relationship and are looking forward to an exciting new chapter to further develop and deliver extraordinary education for our children.”

 

It is anticipated that an in-principle decision would be made by the CYPS committee in November after considering the feedback from the consultation. 

 

If the site move proposal receives final approval, the move would most likely happen early next year.