Two schools in Portsmouth will merge to become a primary school

The city council yesterday (March 25) agreed to combine Wimborne Infant and Junior Schools in Southsea to create the Wimborne Primary School.

As a result the new school will cater children from Reception to Year 6, rather than dividing pupils between Year 2 and 3.

The decision was made by Portsmouth City Council's chief executive David Williams in discussion with the council's education bosses after public meetings were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The council's cabinet member for education, Councillor Suzy Horton, explained the decision was taken under the circumstances to allow the merger to happen as soon as possible. She said: 'We agreed to consider it if there was any chance it could merge ready for September, but of course we don't know where things will be at that time yet.

'We agreed it's a positive thing. We know all-through schools are good for students and produce good results.'

However, Tory spokesman for education, Cllr Terry Norton, had some concerns about how staff could be affected. He said: 'It was passed and all of use were in favour.

'But I have concerns about a potential staff restructure. One of the reasons listed for merger was retainment and recruitment of staff. We don't want this to be followed up by a redundancy process, which often starts with frontline staff and works its way up. Now more than ever staff need job security.'

Cllr Horton added: 'In terms of restructuring we have to put our faith in the fact the school will restructure in the best way for the children and the staff. It's not something the council can get directly involved with.

'There are positives around potential restructuring. Amalgamating schools can provide new opportunities that staff would not have had in previous set ups.

'Early years teachers can have the opportunity it teach Key Stage 2.

'As with all these things it comes down to quality of leadership and I am very optimistic the school is going to act in the best interest of staff and pupils.'

Schools across Portsmouth are closed except to children of key workers.