The Leader of Surrey County Council, Councillor Tim Oliver OBE, approved the amalgamation of St Michael's C of E Aided Infant School and Newdigate C of E Endowed Aided Infant School. This decision will result in the closure of St Michael's C of E Aided Infant School from September 2026, with its pupils transferring to Newdigate C of E Endowed Aided Infant School or another school of parental preference.

Amalgamation of St Michael's C of E Aided Infant School and Newdigate C of E Endowed Aided Infant School

Councillor Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of the Council, determined the statutory notices to agree the proposal to amalgamate St Michael's C of E Aided Infant School and Newdigate C of E Endowed Aided Infant School. This decision means that St Michael's C of E Aided Infant School will close, and its pupils will transfer to Newdigate C of E Endowed Aided Infant School or another school chosen by their parents from September 2026.

The decision was made due to a significant fall in pupil numbers across Surrey, a trend attributed to a lower birth rate, families leaving the county, and the cost of living. St Michael's C of E Aided Infant School, in particular, has experienced a continued decline in pupil numbers, reaching a level where it is no longer financially sustainable and is projected to move into a deficit budget position. The federation of the two schools in 2022, aimed at sharing resources and leadership, has not been sufficient to overcome these challenges.

During the consultation period, 90% of respondents did not support the proposal. However, no formal objections were received during the statutory representation period. Councillor Helen Clack, the local county councillor for the Dorking Rural Division and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, acknowledged the sadness this decision would bring to the community but supported the amalgamation, highlighting the efforts made to find alternatives and expressing hope for a suitable community use for the St Michael's building. She also noted that the amalgamation would help sustain Newdigate School.

The report accompanying the decision outlined that St Michael's CE Infant School currently has 13 students, with only seven expected for the new reception intake in September 2026, against a capacity of 84. The amalgamation is considered the last viable option to ensure the sustainability of education in the area. The decision is effective from 7 July 2026, following the statutory call-in period.