Unauthorised Caravan Encampment at Ringwood School: Timeline, Response, and Safety Measures

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, at around 3:15 pm, about 12 caravans from a travelling group entered the main sports field of Ringwood School, off Parsonage Barn Lane, in the New Forest, Hampshire. The school quickly informed parents and staff. They warned that if the group did not leave by Monday, the school might close and switch classes online, keeping only exam students on site under safety rules. The caravans were very close to school buildings, posing a risk. Ringwood School confirmed they were working with Hampshire Police and New Forest District Council to resolve the issue. This is the most recent example of Ringwood School travellers caravans events affecting school life and requiring fast action.

What Happened

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The caravans entered through a gate or breach near the sports field. The school said the vehicles were very close to buildings and posed a safeguarding concern, especially during Year 11 and Year 13 exams. All exam students were told they could still attend in person. Other students might learn from home depending on what happened.

Some details:

• The school message to parents said: “If this group has not left by Monday, then we might have to close the school and move to remote education to ensure the safety and safeguarding of our students…”

• The exam students would continue with safety measures in place.

School’s Actions and Concerns

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The school operations manager, Sam Coombes, spoke with local media. He said the caravans were too close to the buildings and could put pupils at risk. The school worried about students entering and leaving safely and about exam access. They also said they were in contact with Hampshire Police and New Forest District Council to address the incident quickly.

Police & Council Response

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On Sunday morning, Hampshire Police issued a Section 61 notice under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. This legal notice orders unauthorised camps to leave if their presence leads to potential damage, disruption, or risk. The travellers complied within hours and left the site. By shortly before 4 pm Sunday, the school confirmed the camp had been cleared and they would open normally on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Police teamed up with local council staff and school officials. They monitored the encampment until it was removed, ensuring everyone’s safety throughout.

Past Incidents at Ringwood School

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June 2020 Incident

• A large unauthorised caravan group arrived at the town’s health and leisure centre car park.

• This blocked the main access road to Ringwood School.

• As a result, the school closed on Monday, June 29, 2020. Only Year 10 and 12 exam students attended that day.

• Police and council used Section 61 powers to clear the camp the same day.

Ringwood School stated they understood the impact on community and would work with the police and council to resolve the matter quickly.

May 2022 Incident

• About nine caravans and vehicles arrived at Carvers Recreation Ground, adjacent to the school’s tennis courts.

• Ringwood School closed to most pupils on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

• Year 11 and 13 exams still went ahead under safety plans. Other students were told to learn remotely from home.

These incidents show a pattern of caravans turning up near Ringwood School and impacting routine. In each case, the combination of school action, police intervention, and council support helped keep disruption low.

Why This Matters

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These events matter for several reasons:

1. Student Safety
   Caravans right next to school buildings create risk. Staff worry about unsupervised access to school grounds.

2. Exam Disruption
   Year 11 and 13 exams are vital. Any disturbance can affect student performance and fairness.

3. Routine Interrupted
   Camps block entry routes and disrupt normal school operations for staff and pupils.

4. Parent Concern
   Many parents worry when camp groups appear close to schools. They fear school closures and safety threats.

5. Public Service Pressure
   Police and council must spend time and resources managing these situations.

6. Policy Implications
   This shows the need for long-term planning, stronger school security, and fast communication systems.

Legal Context and Traveller Rights

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Travelling communities have rights under UK law to travel and live in caravans. However, they cannot stay on private or school land without consent.

Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allows police to order removal if:

• The encampment could cause damage,

• It disrupts local life,

• It puts people at risk.

Authorities must act fairly and proportionately. Many councils use traveller liaison officers to talk directly with travelling communities and offer support.

Community and Media Reaction

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Local news outlet Advertiser & Times covered the stories calmly and factually. It shared clear details on:

• Number of caravans,

• When they arrived,

• School messages to parents,

• Police legal actions,

• Confirmed reopening timelines.

Parents were mostly concerned with safeguarding and exam continuity. School leaders and council members told media they would work together to prevent future incidents. This open communication helped maintain trust.

Read Also: Unauthorised Traveller Encampment at Beechings Way, Twydall – 2025 Updates and Community Response

What the School and Council Plan Next

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To reduce future risks, the school and council are planning:

• Stronger fencing around the sports field and access gates.

• Adding CCTV or motion sensors near areas that are vulnerable.

• A early warning system for encampment sightings.

• Engagement with traveller liaison officers to prevent unauthorised camps.

• Mapping repeat encampment sites like the sports field and Carvers Recreation Ground.

• Improved emergency communication to send alerts to parents, staff, and authorities rapidly.

These steps aim to help Ringwood School and local community respond faster and more safely.

Conclusion and Current Status

Here is the timeline of the latest encampment:

Ringwood School, Hampshire Police, and New Forest District Council acted quickly to remove the encampment. Classes resumed smoothly and exams continued under safety plans. These events illustrate that proper planning, legal power like Section 61, and teamwork can protect school communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did caravans come onto Ringwood School sports field?
   They arrived without permission and camped on school land. The school viewed it as a safety risk.

2. Did the school close because of the caravans?
   It warned it might. But police issued a Section 61 notice, the camp left, and school opened normally.

3. What is a Section 61 notice?
   It is a legal order under the 1994 Act. Police can ask unauthorized camps to move if they cause risk or disruption.

4. Are travelling communities allowed anywhere?
   They have rights to travel and live in caravans. But they must not camp on private or school land without permission.

5. Has Ringwood School faced this before?
   Yes. In June 2020 and May 2022, similar encampments caused closures or remote learning for most students.

6. What is being done to prevent repeat encampments?
   Plans include stronger fencing, CCTV, early-warning systems, liaison officer engagement, tracking repeat locations, and faster alerts to parents and staff.