Village Primary school near Andover to close
Hampshire county council say decision is due to falling pupil numbers
A primary school near Andover will be closed following a final decision made by Hampshire County Council.
Smannell and Enham C of E (Aided) Primary School, in Smannell, will be closed in March 2026, after a decline in pupil numbers.
The decision was approved on Wednesday, December 31, by the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Roz Chadd.
During a formal consultation, seven responses were received objecting to the proposal.
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.”
However, council officers told the meeting that there are currently no children enrolled at the school for the next academic term.
Approving the recommendation, Cllr 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.
“We will now work closely with affected staff and any remaining families, taking every step to manage this process as smoothly as possible.
“I’m not happy, but I’m approving the recommendation.”
Cllr Kirsty North, county councillor for Andover North, urged the council to support families affected by the closure by offering discretionary assistance towards the cost of replacing school uniforms.
Following the suggestion, the cabinet member agreed that parents would receive a contribution towards the cost of new uniforms.