Village primary school to close after consultation

Hampshire County Council has decided to close a small village primary school near Andover.

Smannell and Enham Church of England Primary School near Andover, Hampshire, will be closedin March 2026, after a decline in pupil numbers. The school has two classes and 24 children on its register, despite being built for up to 100 pupils.

The council's cabinet member for children's services, Roz Chadd, decided to close the school following a formal consultation, during which seven responses objected to the proposal.

The council had previously said there were concerns about the consistency and quality of education at the school, and that it was not financially sustainable.

An Ofsted inspection in May 2024 judged the school "inadequate", but parents have argued their children thrive in the small, community setting.

One parent, who was not named by the council, said the closure represented a "dilution" of the Christian faith and described it as "another nail in the coffin" for village life.

Another parent, also unnamed, said poor communication between the school's governors and parents had led to a "complete lack of trust".

The person added: "There are opportunities to keep the school, a Grade II listed building, an educational centre moving forward into the future.

"The school needs a reset, with an overhaul of the current management structure and in time for when the new proposed housing developments receive approval."

Council officers said there are currently no children enrolled at the school for the next academic term.

Chadd said: "This decision has not taken lightly and follows lengthy process of consultation and tireless work to support the school and explore alternative options for its future.

"I am grateful for their continued efforts and wish to express my disappointment that, despite this, the school's closure is now regrettably the only viable way forward. I know that this will be met with great sadness in the local community."

Chadd said parents will receive a contribution towards the cost of new uniforms.