The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning decided not to proceed with the amalgamation of Merrow C of E Infant School and Merrow Junior School at this time. Instead, an investigation will be carried out into the feasibility of relocating the infant school to the junior school site to operate from a shared building while remaining separate schools.

Proposal to Amalgamate Merrow C of E Infant School and Merrow Junior School

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Helyn Clack, agreed that the proposal to amalgamate Merrow Church of England Controlled Infant School and Merrow Junior School would not proceed at this time. This decision acknowledges that the proposal could be revisited by the new West Surrey unitary council in the future.

Councillor Clack also agreed that officers should investigate the feasibility of relocating Merrow C of E Infant School to the Merrow Junior School site. The aim of this investigation is to determine if both schools can operate from a shared building while maintaining their current status as separate schools under their existing Federation arrangements. Decision-making authority for this relocation, should it prove feasible, has been delegated to the Executive Director for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, in consultation with Councillor Clack. This delegation is necessary as the proposal falls outside the Department for Education's statutory process for significant changes to maintained schools.

The rationale behind the original amalgamation proposal was to enhance the sustainability of both schools and formalise their existing operational arrangements within the Merrow Schools Federation by consolidating them onto a single site. Consultation periods revealed strong support for consolidating the schools into one building, with discussions primarily focusing on the religious or secular designation of the resultant primary school. Concerns about the long-term viability of both schools were also evident.

However, the consultations also highlighted a significant division within the community regarding the Church of England character of the school. Some viewed it as a valuable community asset, while others expressed concerns about inclusivity and secular choice. Due to this lack of consensus on how an amalgamation should be practically achieved, the recommendation was made not to proceed with the amalgamation at this time.

The alternative approach of exploring co-location on a shared site aims to achieve the necessary budgetary savings for the schools' sustainability while allowing each to retain its individual characteristics and status. This approach emerged from the consultation feedback and will require further appraisal and engagement with stakeholders.

The decision was taken by Councillor Helyn Clack, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, on 08 September 2026. The record of this decision was published on the same date, and the decision becomes effective on 15 September 2026, unless called in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee.