Primary school will relocate to new housing development

A primary school will be moved to a new location.

West Sussex County Council has decided to relocate Jessie Younghusband Primary School in Woodlands Lane, Chichester, to the new Minerva Heights development.

The decision comes after numerous public consultations, including a four-week formal consultation that ended in May.

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As part of the move, Jessie Younghusband will be based in the newer, more modern educational buildings at Minerva Heights.

The council said this will allow the school to expand to a two-form entry in the future, which is currently not possible in the current location.

The council also said the move will allow St Anthony’s School, which shares the current Jessie Younghusband Primary School site, to expand into the vacant building.

This will allow the school to create an additional 50 much-needed places for children from across the county with special educational needs and disabilities.

Councillor Jacquie Russell, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “At the heart of what we’re trying to achieve is stabilising the future of primary education across Chichester in line with our council plan priority of helping people and communities to fulfil their potential.

"Relocating Jessie Younghusband to Minerva Heights is our best option to do so because the alternative of a brand-new school on the site would weaken the viability of existing schools in the city, including Jessie Younghusband, and put further pressure on all schools at a time when pupil numbers are declining.

“This has been a difficult decision; I appreciate the strength of feeling and understand how upsetting it can be for families who are faced with the prospect of change, both for their children and their community.

"However, we have made a decision that takes into account the feedback and balances it against the broader needs of our communities as a whole.

"I strongly believe this will be a positive move for Chichester in the long run, will help our school communities to grow and flourish, provide much needed support for children with additional needs, and stabilise the future of primary education in the city. West Sussex County Council will be supporting the affected schools and the school communities throughout the whole process.”