Eight Portsmouth schools facing changes due to falling birth rates
The council's considering merges, downsizing or transformations
Last updated 13th Oct 2026
Portsmouth schools could be merged, downsized or transformed under plans to tackle falling birth rates, with eight schools facing changes from September 2028.
Portsmouth City Council is proposing changes to eight city schools in response to falling birth rates, including merging two Southsea schools.
The plans aim to future-proof primary education as falling birth rates, a trend being seen nationwide, begin to affect reception-year admissions across the city.
Falling pupil numbers can leave schools with vacant places and put pressure on budgets, as pupil numbers largely determine how much funding schools receive.
There is also a growing trend for parents to prefer their children to attend primary schools rather than separate infant schools.
Together, these challenges risk pushing schools into deficit or, potentially, leading to closures.
Of the 310 reception places in Portsmouth, 70 are currently vacant.
The council has put forward proposals to plan ahead and ensure schools “remain strong, sustainable and able to provide the best possible education for children in the future”.
No decisions have been made, with the council set to decide next week whether to launch a public consultation on the proposals.
The proposals
The proposed changes would mainly affect schools in Southsea, alongside one school in Fratton.
The council wants to merge Southsea Infant School and Craneswater Junior School to create a two-form-entry primary school.
It would eventually be based at the Craneswater site, with the Southsea Infant School building retained for educational use, such as a nursery or facilities for professionals working with children.
Southsea Infant school head teacher Rebecca Holmes said: “Portsmouth City Council has put forward proposals affecting our school, but no decisions have been made. If the consultation goes ahead, I’d encourage parents, staff, and the local community to have their say.”
In June this year, Ofsted said Southsea Infant School met expected standards overall but needed attention in achievement, curriculum and teaching.
Craneswater Junior School met all expected standards following an inspection in July, with “strong standards” in inclusion, personal development and wellbeing.
Changes are also proposed at Bramble, Cumberland and Manor Infant Schools, which would become one-form-entry primary schools.
This would allow children starting at the schools from September 2028 to remain at the same school until they move to secondary.
Admissions at Fernhurst Junior School would be adjusted to 60 pupils a year, matching Devonshire Infant School and creating a clearer progression between the two schools.
Admissions at Wimborne Primary School would also be reduced to 60 pupils a year.
The proposals include additional special educational needs (SEN) provision at Penbridge Junior School, St Paul’s Catholic Primary School and Cottage Grove Primary School. The details and specialisms of each provision would be developed with the schools and partners.
Cllr Nick Dorrington, cabinet member for children, families and education, said: “We know that any proposed change involving schools matters deeply to children, families and staff. These plans are about acting early and responsibly as pupil numbers change, so our schools can remain strong and children have a clear, consistent journey through primary education.
“They would also create opportunities to provide more support for children with additional needs closer to home. No decisions have been made. If consultation is approved, we want everyone affected to look at the proposals, ask questions and tell us what they think before any next steps are considered.”
Have your say
The council has already written to parents, teachers and governors at the schools involved.
Proposals to consult on the reorganisation of infant, junior and primary education, affecting eight city schools from September 2028, will be considered on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
If approved, a public consultation would run from Wednesday, October 21, to Wednesday, December 2, 2026, giving parents, carers, staff, governors and other interested people an opportunity to share their views.
Final decisions are expected in March 2027.