A new consultation has been launched on plans to move a secondary school to Whiteley despite a councillor claiming 70 per cent of responses to the previous consultation were ignored.
After much development in the Whiteley area in recent years, Hampshire County Council will open a new 900-place secondary school in September 2027 to serve the new housing development.
But the authority said retaining Henry Cort Community College in Fareham would lead to a significant surplus of school places across the region.
The first consultation saw HCC decide on the relocation of Henry Cort to the new school in Whiteley.
READ MORE: New images show new 900-place Whiteley secondary school
But now a new consultation seeking feedback on those plans runs until February 14.
Computer images of the new 900-place Whiteley school (Image: HCC) Councillor Joanne Burton, who represents Sarisbury and Whiteley on Fareham Borough Council, said: “If the Henry Cort transfer option is agreed there will be even more children bussed from Fareham to Whiteley than are currently bussed from Whiteley to Fareham.
“At the end of last year, I advised residents about the previous consultation by Hampshire County Council and the action I took at the various decision-making meetings.
“I will continue to press for the Henry Cort name not to find its way into Whiteley.
“Whiteley Secondary School needs to have its own identity - a new school deserves a new name.
“I will continue to do my utmost to get the best result for the Whiteley residents I represent and will be pleased to continue to hear their thoughts and to help guide them through the consultation process after the damaged credibility of the last consultation which ignored the views of over 70 per cent of those taking the trouble to respond.”
READ MORE: Henry Cort Community College could shut when Whiteley school is built
Under this proposal, all children on roll at The Henry Cort Community College in September 2027 will be transferred to the new school building north of Whiteley.
Specific site arrangements for pupils midway through their GCSE courses will be clarified by school leaders in consultation with parents and pupils closer to the time, to ensure they remain fully supported.
A spokesperson for HCC added: “The responses received during the non-statutory consultation have led to a period of reflection and review within the council.
“However, based on extensive experience in making and implementing school organisation decisions, the county council still believes that relocating Henry Cort will provide the best educational offer for families in the communities of Fareham and Whiteley.”
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