Hove’s Connaught Road school site to move to Holland Road

West Hove Infant School’s Connaught Road site will be moving on to Hove Junior School’s Holland Road site in time for the start of next term.

 

Both schools believe strongly that the move will improve the learning experience for pupils as it ensures a seamless primary journey on one site.

The move also reflects concerns about the long-term financial viability of staying at the Connaught Road site, with a significant reduction in primary age pupil numbers expected across the city over the coming years. 

The decision was taken by the council’s Children, Young People and Skills Committee on Monday 8 November. Public consultation on the proposal showed roughly three quarters of respondents were in favour of the move. 

 

West Hove Infant School and Hove Junior School have had a single governing body called the Hove Learning Federation since September. Operations at both schools’ School Road sites will be unaffected.

 

Brighton & Hove’s lead councillor for schools, Sarah Nield, said: “Both schools have a long history of working closely together. I believe the proposed move will benefit both schools.

 

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

 

“I’m also pleased that we have been able to offer clarity to families who are going through the school admissions process for next September, and I understand the frustrations of those families whose children started this year and were unaware of the possibility of a move.”

Co-Chairs of Governors of the Hove Learning Federation, Louise Wilkinson and Lisa Marshall, said:

 

“This is an exciting new chapter for our schools. Moving classes to the Holland Road site will provide a through primary journey for our children from Reception through to Year 6, underpinned by our common ethos, vision and values. 

“Holland Road is a lovely bright, spacious building and we look forward to welcoming parents and children into their new classrooms in January. 

“We’re really pleased that so many parents have said they support the move to Holland Road. The schools are already working very closely to ensure that the transition in January goes ahead smoothly.”

It is anticipated that the Connaught Road site will continue to be used for educational purposes by teams from the council’s families, children and learning directorate.