Park Community School in partnership with Bishop Luffa School have embarked on an ambitious project to repurpose the grade II Listed building North House to create Launchpad Emsworth. An innovative, educational initiative to help children and young people most at risk of dropping out of mainstream education by creating tailored opportunities which empower them to thrive - either back in a school environment or vocational training.
Chris Anders, Headteacher at Park said “We were offered an opportunity by the John & Hilary Pritchard Trust, to set up a facility with Bishop Luffa School for Key Stage 3 children (aged 11-14) who struggle with school. I used to work with the Bishop Luffa head, and we have a similar desire to do the best for all the children in our schools. Bishop Luffa have a base for Key Stage 4 children in Lavant and we have our Inspired provision in our industrial unit in Fulflood Road, Havant, where our print business is, which is for 14–16-year-olds. Renovation work has started the old doctors’ surgery and we hope to open for small groups of children in early 2026.”
A great many original features are being discovered as work progresses to transform the listed building. These pictures taken during the current phase of renovation show attractive historic features that will be preserved and enhanced to remain a faithful record of the original construction detail for all to see, enjoy and to learn from.
The John Pritchard Trust supports charities and organisations concerned with helping young people to achieve their potential. Beneficiaries include Off the Record (Havant) and Young Peoples Shop (Chichester), both providing counselling and support for mental health issues.
The first Launchpad based at the former Lavant House School became operational in 2022. Positive results were immediately forthcoming, including an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report. Building on this educational model of excellence, Launchpad, Emsworth, aims to bring children and young people from across Hampshire and West Sussex to benefit from this intensive support.
North House, the old doctors surgery, is a Grade II Listed building occupying a central position in Emsworth, whose integrity will be preserved by extensive refurbishment. Other buildings on this site will be removed and new eco-friendly rooms sited around a Learning Courtyard and Real-World Learning Centre will be constructed. These will be designed within a more natural environment conducive to a different approach to learning.
