West Sussex County Council has approved plans to establish a new all-through primary school in Horsham by amalgamating Littlehaven Infant School and Northolmes Junior School. The new school, which will operate on the existing Northolmes Junior site, is scheduled to amalgamate in September 2025 and the move to the Northolmes site take place in September 2026 when refurbishment works are completed. The decision is subject to a call-in period.
Proposals for the amalgamation were initially put forward by the governors of both schools, with the aim of making effective use of resources and addressing the falling demand for primary school places in the wider community area, which impacts upon school budgets. A public consultation process began in February 2024 and the feedback from this demonstrated strong support for the proposals.
Littlehaven Infant School and Northolmes Junior School have worked closely together for over a decade, having federated in 2014 to form the Greenfields Federation. The schools already share a governing body, headteacher, and leadership team and are located less than half a mile from each other in East Horsham.
The amalgamation will formalise this joint working by creating a new school which will encompass Reception through Year Six, creating a single primary education pathway for children in the area. As part of this process, Littlehaven Infant School will formally close in September 2025. All pupils currently on roll at both schools will automatically retain their school place.
Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning, and Skills, said: “I share the views of the governors that creating an all-through primary school will provide a more integrated learning environment, fostering continuity and stability for pupils, and better help them fulfil their potential.
“We will continue to work closely with the schools throughout this process and keep parents and staff informed of further developments.”.
To support the transition, refurbishment works will be carried out at the Northolmes Junior site. The council has approved the allocation of capital funding to ensure the facilities meet the needs of the expanded age range.
The amalgamation will also release the current Littlehaven School site for alternative use, which includes the possibility of the site being repurposed for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Details of the decision have been published on the county council’s website.
