Proposed changes to Hove Park School

Consultation Response Update: There were 164 responses via the portal and 5 separate emails to the council. Of the portal responses:

• 60.4% stated they did not support the proposal
• 22% were not sure and
• 17.7% did support it

44 respondees stated they lived in BN3 7 and 21 respondees in BN3 8.

The replies via the portal can be summarised as follows:

How would the move to the Nevill Campus affect your family's daily routine?

The most common concerns raised by respondents focus on increased traffic congestion and road safety issues around the Nevill Campus, particularly at drop-off and pick-up times. Many worried that the area is already congested and that adding more students will exacerbate these problems, making journeys less safe for children walking or cycling to school.

Transport and accessibility are significant issues for families living further from Nevill Campus, especially those in Portslade, Hangleton, and West Hove. Respondents highlight longer and less safe journeys for younger children, lack of direct public transport options, and the potential need to switch from walking/cycling to car or bus travel. Some say this could rule out Hove Park as a viable school choice for their children.

A strong theme is opposition to the loss of the Valley Campus. Many value the two-site structure for providing a nurturing environment for younger students (Years 7 & 8), supporting smoother transitions from primary school, and reducing anxiety—especially for children with SEN or additional needs. There are concerns that a single large campus will be overwhelming for some children and could increase bullying or mental health issues.

Several respondents object to the overdevelopment of the Nevill site, citing loss of green space/playing fields and negative impacts on local residents (noise, loss of daylight, building works). Some also question the financial rationale for consolidation and argue that recent investments in Valley Campus would be wasted.

A minority of responses indicate no impact or even positive effects (easier logistics for some families living closer to Nevill Campus or with siblings at the same site). However, these are outweighed by concerns about congestion, accessibility, and loss of the current two-campus benefits.

What specific facilities or resources are needed?

Many respondents expressed strong concerns about the proposed consolidation of Hove Park School onto the Nevill Campus.

A major trend was worry about overcrowding and loss of green space if all students are moved to one site. Many stressed the importance of retaining grass playing fields and avoiding overdevelopment of the Nevill Campus . Several suggested building only on the south or southeast of the site and making better use of existing buildings.

There was widespread concern about losing sports facilities, particularly the 3G/4G pitches and green fields currently available at both sites. Many want existing pitches at Valley Campus to be retained or used rather than building new ones at Nevill.

A significant number highlighted the need to maintain or expand SEN (Special Educational Needs) facilities, especially the Cullum Centre and other support hubs. Concerns were raised that consolidation could negatively impact students with SEN due to increased noise, crowding, and loss of dedicated spaces.

Many valued the current split-site model for easing transition for younger students (Years 7–8), reducing anxiety and bullying risk. Suggestions included separate buildings or areas for younger students and staggered timetables/breaks.

Concerns about increased traffic congestion and safety around Nevill Avenue were common. Suggestions included new entrances (especially via Old Shoreham Road), traffic calming measures (speed bumps/cameras), and improved transport links for families further away.

A notable proportion of responses opposed the consolidation outright, citing loss of choice for parents, negative impact on diversity and catchment area, and concerns about future capacity given local housing developments.