MP Steve Brine dropped into Perins school in Alresford to discuss issues surrounding student numbers, budgets and safe crossings.

The Winchester and Alresford MP joined executive headteacher Steve Jones and chairman of trustees Alison Mayne for an update on the growth of the school, as well as the demand for places.

Mr Brine was given information on the current tight budget situation and briefed on ambitious plans to create a dedicated new facility to help emotionally challenged pupils stay in full-time education.

Also up for discussion was the current hot topic - the use of mobile phones in schools, recently raised by Education Secretary and East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds, who has spoken of a wish to see a total ban.

Mr Brine was told about the phone ‘spots’ in operation at the school which allow for limited and restricted use of phones by students during official break periods and in certain classes to assist with learning.

Mr Brine said: “Perins is an exceptional school and, by the sounds of it, more popular than ever with parents. The rounded education they are determined to give students, despite significant budget pressures, is impressive to see and has to be right.

“It was good also to get a tour of the school site and see some of the new additions since I last visited.

“I was especially interested to hear about plans for this year’s school production, Beauty and the Beast, which is set to be quite a spectacle situated in the school grounds inside a big top tent.”

Mr Jones added: “We are determined that all of our students, at Perins and at Sun Hill Junior School, benefit from the widest possible range of academic and extra-curricular activities and facilities to support their academic progress, the fulfilling of each individual’s potential and the development of confidence and mental resilience.

“Despite reductions in funding, and the fact that Hampshire does extremely poorly under the national funding formula, we will continue to develop the broadest possible range of options backed up by strong pastoral services.”

The visit also saw discussion around school hopes for a more formal safe crossing point across Pound Hill, from the school campus to Arlebury Park.

Mr Brine agreed to work with Perins, New Alresford Town Council and the New Alresford Town Trustees to persuade Hampshire County Council of the need for improvements.