Primary Schools in Havant
Education for children aged four to eleven
Havant has a good number of primary schools serving the town and its constituent areas, providing education for children from reception age through to year six. The schools are a mix of community schools, academy trust schools and voluntary-aided church schools, reflecting the different governance models that operate within the English education system.
The schools are distributed across the town to serve the different residential areas. Fairfield Infant School and Riders Junior School serve the central and eastern parts of Havant. Bosmere Junior School is another well-established school in the area. Leigh Park has several primary schools serving the estate, including schools that have benefited from investment and improvement programmes over the years. Bedhampton has its own primary school serving the local community.
Admissions are managed by Hampshire County Council, which coordinates the application process for reception-year entry. Parents can express preferences for up to three schools, and places are allocated according to the published admissions criteria, which typically prioritise looked-after children, siblings, and distance from the school. Living within the catchment area of a popular school does not guarantee a place, though it is usually a strong factor.
Ofsted inspection results vary across the Havant primary schools, as they do in any town. Some schools have consistently good or outstanding ratings, while others have experienced periods of lower performance and subsequent improvement. Parents are advised to visit schools, read the most recent inspection reports and talk to other families before making their choice.
Primary schools in Havant provide the national curriculum alongside a range of extra-curricular activities. Sport, music, art, drama and outdoor learning all feature, with the extent varying between schools. Many schools run breakfast clubs and after-school clubs, providing childcare for working parents. The proximity of Staunton Country Park and the harbour provides outdoor learning resources that schools in the area can use.
Special educational needs provision is available within mainstream schools, with additional support from the local authority for children who require it. Some schools have specialist resource bases for particular needs. The local authority's SEND team can advise parents on the support available.
The transition from primary to secondary school typically occurs at the end of year six, with children moving to one of the secondary schools in the Havant area.
Special educational needs provision is available within mainstream schools, with additional support from the local authority for children who require it. Some schools have specialist resource bases for particular needs. The local authority's SEND team can advise parents on the support available. The transition from primary to secondary school typically occurs at the end of year six, with children moving to one of the secondary schools in the Havant area. The primary schools prepare children for this transition through visits, information evenings and liaison with the receiving secondary schools. For parents choosing a primary school in Havant, the best approach is to visit the schools that are within a practical travelling distance, read the Ofsted reports, and talk to other parents in the community.