Thursday 22 January 2026
Our usual round-up of local news includes a reminder about a recent engagement event, The Downs School’s admissions, a fire-service consultation and Compton’s sewage concerns – plus flooding evidence, grants, trips, pharmacies and low incomes. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.
Upcoming Compton area events include Focus on Compton Exhibition & live music in Compton. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.
• Engagement event with David Wilson Homes
Click here to see the 15 January 2026 edition of this column for a full report on this event which took place in Compton on 14 January.
• School places at The Downs
There’s recently been press coverage about the issue of the admissions to this popular school in Compton, which has recently become part of the new Summit Education Trust.
The Downs School is currently running a consultation, which closes on 28 January, regarding this matter. A statement from the school on 20 January says that “One of the proposals being consulted on is whether some priority should be given to children already attending Summit Education Trust primary schools, reflecting the Trust’s aim of providing a more seamless education from primary to secondary through close curriculum collaboration and transition support.”
“No decisions have been made,” the statement continues. “All feedback from parents and carers, schools and the wider community will be carefully considered before any final arrangements are agreed.”
Currently, priority is generally given to pupils in the catchment regardless of what primary school they attend: this is the traditional view of admissions but one that the academy system is starting to change. Under these proposals, from 2027-28, a more complex set of priorities will be agreed which will favour people with a connection to one of the primaries in the same trust.
In reality, this probably won’t make a big difference. Currently, SET primary schools only provide about forty pupils a year; as The Downs’ pupil admission cap is 210, people living nearby should still be able to get in. The changes may, however, be felt by applicants from outside the catchment if (as generally happens here) there are more applicants than available places.
Academies are free to set their own admissions policies, subject to national regulations. This includes the ability to prioritise applicants from other academy schools. There are educational advantages in this with, for example, primaries and the secondary able to work closely together during the transition at the end of year 6; and, in the case of the children of employees of academy schools, to increase staff retention. It could also be argued that this has the effect of encouraging parents to send their children to academy primaries, or for non-academy primaries in the area to join the academy for this reason.
Such tensions or frictions are inherent in any system where private provision (which academies can be seen as a form of) is overlaid on a national structure. We see it in the planning system and with the water companies, which in both cases have public-sector decision-making and regulation living in a sometimes uneasy co-existence with the private firms that actually do the work. All this is therefore less about The Downs, or Summit, than about the whole relationship between academies and the local education authority.
Opinions also differ as to whether academies are a good thing. There’s certainly powerful evidence that they have helped turn around many failing schools, including in West Berkshire, but some might feel that the same rseults could have been achieved more equitably by reforming and re-purposing the structure of the LEAs. The academies could claim that the dead hand of bureaucracy has been removed; opponents that something looking like a two-tier system has resulted.
These are separate arguments. Academies are here and, as matters stand, are free to set their own admissions policies. The Downs has done this according to the national guidelines and is consulting. There’s nothing either legally wrong or commercially illogical about this. The LEA has a different view, arguing with some merit that the proposal creates inconsistencies and an over-complex system for parents to navigate. If we don’t like some of the results it produces then there’s no point in blaming The Downs or any academy: the answer is to change the system. Whether the current government wishes to embark upon this in the midst of all its other problems is another matter.
A final point: these policies must by law be updated every year. In the case of Compton, the village will in the next few years see two hundred more homes built which may be occupied by families who already send their children to a non-Summit primary but who want them to go on to The Downs. Any rational admissions policy would need to reflect this and ensure that people who live just up the road won’t have to trek to Newbury simply because they went to the wrong kind of primary school. I’m sure we can expect that the school’s future policies will reflect such changing realities.
• Compton’s concerns
Compton Parish Council has now submitted its formal response to West Berkshire Council on Condition 30 (Foul Water) for the new development at the former Institute for Animal Health site. The issue here is that, as the correspondence shows (see below for the link), the decision notice’s Conditions 30 and 31 in respect of the outline application were, in small but important ways, different to what had been agreed by the planning committee in early 2023. As the new application soon to be lodged by David Wilson Homes will be based on this outline application, the fears are that these conditions (as wrongly stated) will still apply and would not provide the necessary protections for residents.
“Residents will know,” a recent statement from the Parish Council explains, “that our foul water network has long struggled during high‑groundwater periods, with recent winters seeing tankering, sewer surcharging and sewage on the highway. Given how important this issue is for the village, the Parish Council has taken independent professional advice to ensure our response is thorough and evidence‑based.
” What we’ve highlighted in our submission:
- Ongoing vulnerabilities in the foul water network;
- Recent operational failures during the 2024/25 high‑groundwater winter;
- Thames Water’s EDM data and the absence of improvement works;
- Why the applicant has not met the requirements of Condition 30.”
You can read the full response and supporting documents here.
• A consultation from the fire service
Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) is consulting all Berkshire residents and staff on Council Tax funding for the next financial year until 9am on Monday, 2 February 2026.
“RBFA is committed to delivering value for money across the services provided to local residents,” the RBF explains. “However, due to significant budgetary pressure as outlined in this letter, to protect our services to the public, RBFA is proposing a £5 increase for 2026/2027, based on a Band D precept, to £91.31.
“This year the Government has announced a three-year settlement of central funding, instead of a one-year settlement. To align to this and help us plan our finances effectively over the longer term, RBFA is also consulting on an increase of £5 per annum in Council Tax, based on a Band D precept, for the next three years.”
For more information and to take part in the consultation, please click here.
• Other news
• Compton Parish Council is gathering further evidence of recent flooding issues. If you have any photos or videos from winter 2024/25 showing flooding, surcharging sewers or tankers operating on Aldworth Road and are happy for the parish council to use them, please email them to contact@comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk.
• Last chance for PTAs, local charities and child/youth not for profit organisations to apply for The Stronger Starts Community Grants. With grants of up to £1,500 available, cut off for the next funding round is Saturday 31 January 2026. So if you need funding to support your local children and young people email Clairelouise.hunt@groundwork.org.uk and get the ball rolling.
• Reminder that the Downland Volunteer Group provides vital transport for hundreds of local residents and also runs a monthly Luncheon Club. DVG is looking for volunteer drivers to provide transport for local residents needing to get to essential medical appointments. Even if you can only offer one trip a month, your help would be hugely appreciated. Please call 01635 578394 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 11.30am) for more information. See here for more details and how to volunteer.
• DVG also offers shopping trips to Newbury and Wantage and regular Fantastic Friday trips, this month to Reading Oracle and Swindon Outlet Centre. See details here.
• To help shape future pharmacy provision across West Berkshire, Healthwatch West Berkshire is asking residents to share their experiences of local pharmacy services with an anonymous five‑minute survey to investigate how the Pharmacy First service is working for local communities. Take the survey here.
• West Berkshire Council says that around 11,000 residents could be missing out on much needed financial support such as Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Allowance and Free School Meals. The Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) uses anonymised data from the DWP and the Council to identify eligible households who may be contacted with details on how to apply online or get free local support through the Let’s Talk programme. See upcoming Let’s Talk dates here.
• The lack of social housing, particularly in rural areas, is consistently under the spotlight, however, villages can source help in a number of ways. Click here for full details.
• A gentle reminder that Brian Quinn’s second volume of short stories and parodies, Gravity and Rust, is now available from any bookshop, including the Hungerford Bookshop, the White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough and the Wantage Bookshop. For full info click here.
• For Hampstead Norreys news visit the Parish Council’s Facebook page.
• Latest local newsletters
• Chaddleworth News.
• West Ilsley News.
• Have your say on:
Consultations being run by West Berkshire Council:
- Proposed Traffic Regulation Order: Hermitage, Bucklebury and Cold Ash 20mph speed limit – deadline 28 Jan 2026.
- Proposed Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools 2027/28 – deadline 30 Jan 2026.
- Proposed development of a Resource Base at Victoria Park Nursery School, Newbury – deadline 25 Feb 2026.
Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.
Community notices
• Have your say on current consultations by West Berkshire Council. Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.
• Compton & Downland Villages Menopause Cafe at The Swan at Compton on selected Saturday mornings from 10am to 12noon. To find out more or to book a space call Cathy on 07787 517871 or email catherineleatham@gmail.com. For more details visit menopausecafe.net
• Hampstead Norreys Handbell Ringers welcome new members. So if you have a musical ear and are keen on community, click here for full details.
• Compton Netball, for all ages and all abilities at The Downs School Sports Hall. Please message Nadia Oriani Balfour if you’re interested and she will send you a link to the WhatsApp group.
• Scam reminders from Citizens Advice with most common types of scam. The golden rule is if something seems too good to be true or doesn’t feel right it might be a scam, so take a moment and get advice or just ask a friend.
• West Ilsley Willows women’s cricket team West Ilsley Willows welcomes new members. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned player go along to meet the team at a Thursday evening training.
• The Downlands Practice Social Prescribing Facebook page has details of social get-togethers and community support.
• Compton Stay, Learn & Play in Compton Village Hall on the second and fourth Thursday of the month for young families. See here for details.
• Ilsley Evergreens welcomes all to join its coach day trips. Just contact Liane on ilsleysevergreens@gmail.com to book a place.
• Downland Volunteer Group has an electric HandeBus. For those wishing to use the HandeBus or volunteer to help the DVG’s work, contact 07713 813 523; dvg.handebus@btinternet.com or on its website. More information can also be found here.
• The Downland Volunteer Group is urgently seeking caring, reliable drivers to support residents who are elderly, unwell, disabled, or otherwise in need. Call here for full details.
• U6, U7 and U16 footballers are welcome at FC Cougars. Please contact Graham on graham@fccougars.com.
• Compton Karate based at Aldworth Village Hall is a small and friendly dojo that welcomes new members.
• For how to avoid scams and what to do if you unluckily get caught, please see important advice here from Citizen’s Advice. There is no shame if you do get caught out by scammers (Penny has) and you must seek help and warn others.
Local events and activities
For more information on events and activities across the Penny Post area, see the website calendar.
• Dates for the diary
• Until 8 Feb 2026 Focus on Compton Exhibition, West Berkshire Museum.
• Sat 24 Jan Fubar Live The Swan at East IIlsley
• Tue 3 Feb Newbury Cancer Care Talk The Wilkins Centre
• Sat 7 Feb Winter Welcome Lunch St Mary’s Church Hampstead Norreys
• Sat 14 Feb Chinese New Year Banquet The White Hart, Hampstead Norreys
• Regular events and groups
• Stay, Play and Learn at Compton Village Hall on Thursday mornings during term for children 0-4 years to socialise with others, exploring a variety of play activities and crafts. Book online with West Berkshire Council here.
• Free safe & well visit, by The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service. To see if you qualify click here, call Freephone 0800 5876679 or email SafeandWell@rbfrs.co.uk.
• The Household Support Fund is for those most in need. Priority will be given to households who are ineligible for other government support and vulnerable groups regarding the cost of living crisis. To apply click here.
• The Handybus service to Wantage picks up Chaddleworth and Leckhamstead residents from their homes on the second and fourth Tuesday morning. The round trip will cost £4. See here for more details and how to book.
• Compton Pop-up Library is on the second Thursday of every month from 10.15am to 11.45am, in Compton Village Hall. What’s more, if you tell them about the sort of books you like to read they will choose a selection for your next visit.
• Leckhampstead Pop-up Library is at Leckhampstead Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month, 10am to 12pm. See details here. New library members very welcome to join.
• Allotment plots available at Newbury Lane allotment in Compton from £12.50 per year. If you’re interested please mail newburylaneallotmentmanager@comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk.
• Marcham Cricket Club welcomes new cricket players and officials.
• Tea and a Chat on Mondays from 9.30 to 11am at the Wilkins Centre in Compton: all welcome.
• Downland Practice’s Social Prescribing reminds patients that Hillier’s Garden Centre is delighted to be able to host the Ladies Breakfast Club on the second Wednesday of every month.
• Wellbeing and mental health free one-hour introduction session with Recovery in Mind and The Downland Practice. Please contact pm.downland@nhs.net to book your place.
• Drop Off/Drop In Coffee Morning every Wednesday during term time at Brightwalton Church from 8.45 to 10 a.m.
• Aldworth Saturday Market at Aldworth Village Hall, RG8 9SE from 10.30am to 12noon sells fresh fruit and vegetables, groceries, stamps and cards plus tea and coffee. Contact Kathy on 01635 578090 or e-mail kathyneville@outlook.com.
• The Gents Breakfast Club created by The Downland Practice – Social Prescribing is proving popular. If you would like more information please contact nicky.ager@nhs.net.
• Compton Tots on the first and third Thursday of every month at Compton Village Hall from 9.30 to 11am. Providing a safe, fun and educational space, in partnership will Compton Pre-school for 0-5 years and costs £2 per family (cash only).
• Quiz night at The Crown and Horns in East Ilsley every Thursday from 7pm with prizes to be won. You can reserve a table by calling 01635 281545, and see more information here.
• Brickleton Babes Baby and Toddler Group in Brightwalton Village Hall. Join its Facebook group for details.
• Autumn Group regular meetings include the Hobbies Club at the Wilkins Centre, Compton. Visit its Facebook page for details. Anyone from surrounding villages very welcome.
• Aldworth Art/Painting Group at the Aldworth Village Hall on first and third Tuesday of every month from 9.30am to 12 noon. Details here.
• Hampstead Norreys Village Hall club and event information is on Hampstead Norreys Community website.
• Ilsley Under Fives meets every Wednesday between 10am to 11.30 a.m at various locations throughout the Ilsley villages. Please join its Facebook group or see details here.
News from your local council
Note: “the most recent meeting” refers to the most recent one for which minutes (in some cases draft) or some other summary is available. Other meetings may have taken place since. Some councils publish minutes more promptly than do others. If the link is scored through this may be because draft minutes have been replaced by approved ones and the drafts file deleted. If so, please follow the links provided to the council’s website.
• The most recent meeting of Chaddleworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 13 January and you can read the minutes here. items covered included: planning matters; financial matters; the community plan; and repairs and maintenance.
To see the dates and agendas of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see the minutes, click here.
• The most recent meeting of Brightwalton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 12 January and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the Village Co-ordinator; planning matters; highways; financial matters; and repairs and maintenance.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 1 December and you can read the minutes here.
You can also click here to read the minutes of Compton’s Annual Parish Meeting on 10 March. We have also published the Chair’s address in a separate post which you can read here.
To see the dates of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), agendas and minutes, please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Hampstead Norreys Council for which minutes are available took place on 27 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of West Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 18 November and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the weight-limit petition; planning matters; financial matters; the proposed 20mph speed limit; the Village Hall; the budget (£11,304) and the precept rise (£.76%) for 2026-27; flooding issues; and traffic management.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees) please click here.
• The most recent meeting of East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 11 November and you can download the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meetings of Ashampstead Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 10 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Beedon Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 6 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates and agendas of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see minutes from past meetings please click here. Please click here for details of the planning applications currently active in the parish.
• The most recent meeting of Aldworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 4 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Peasemore Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 2 July and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• Compton & Downlands area council contacts
- Parishes: Hampstead Norreys Parish Council, Compton Parish Council, Ashampstead Parish Council, Beedon Parish Council, Chaddleworth Parish Council, Brightwalton Parish Council, Peasemore Parish Council, Aldworth Parish Council, West Ilsley Parish Council and East Ilsley Parish Council.
- West Berkshire Council: click here to visit the website.
• News from other areas
- Penny Post area: see the following separate sections: Hungerford area; Lambourn Valley; Newbury area; Thatcham area; Compton and Downlands; Burghfield area; Wantage area; Marlborough area.
- News and views from across the area and beyond: see the most recent Weekly News with Brian column.
Archives
To see earlier Compton & Downlands & Surrounding Area Weekly News columns, please click here.
