Two schools in Gosport could be set to merge due to having not enough pupils and significant budget pressures.

Peel Common Infant School and Peel Common Junior School have seen dwindling pupil numbers in recent years, which has resulted in significant budget pressures.

Hampshire County Council’s portfolio holder for children’s services, Councillor Edward Heron, will be asked to consider a formal public consultation on the proposed merger.

This follows an informal four-week public consultation in the winter of 2023 which gathered initial feedback on the proposed merge of the two schools.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “This consultation was undertaken at the request of both schools’ governing bodies which have raised growing concerns about low pupil numbers.

“Concerns have also been raised regarding the associated impacts on the schools’ respective finances, educational standards, and ongoing viability.”

A recommendation to now proceed to a formal, statutory consultation will be presented to Cllr Heron, alongside feedback from the public consultation, at his decision day on February 20.

The council spokesperson said: “The proposal to amalgamate the two schools could provide a stronger financial position, staffing structure and stronger pupil numbers.

“It could also bring greater continuity in terms of how the curriculum is delivered and a more consistent approach to children’s learning, while removing the need for transition between Year 2 in the infant school to Year 3 in the junior school.”

If agreed, the infant school would be closed and the junior school would become a primary school with a nursery unit, catering for children aged three to 11 years.

This would accommodate one class of 30 pupils per year group and would operate under one governing body.

Should a final decision be made to merge the two schools, this would come into effect on 1 January 2025. The school would continue to offer 30 places for children entering Reception Year.