Following a public consultation regarding the amalgamation of Merrow CofE Infant School and Merrow Junior School, Surrey County Council has decided (at a Cabinet Member meeting on 8 September 2026) to pause any plans to amalgamate the schools under a single designation, while it explores the feasibility of co-locating the two separate schools on the same site.
Canon Alex Tear, Director of Education for the Diocese of Guildford said:
“We are deeply disappointed with this decision which goes against the majority result of the consultation. Overall, 72% of respondents supported a Church of England Primary School, including 65% of future school families. While we are aware that the margin of support for a Church school narrowed among respondents directly affected by the proposal, there was still a clear majority in favour. Many respondents including those with no faith background cited that they were supportive of the Church school’s Christian ethos and focus on values-based education. Only one respondent in the 816 responses received, supported keeping the schools separate.
"We maintain, that an all through Church of England primary school would offer the best educational experience for children and encourage a much smoother transition between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Running two separate schools on the same site will not fundamentally address the financial challenges facing both schools and runs counter to the local authority’s Sustainability Strategy for Schools.
“The Diocesan Board of Education will not support these recommendations and will ask the Local Authority to re-consider its approach to the outcome of the consultation.
"Our Church of England schools are both distinctive and inclusive, welcoming children and families of all faiths and none. We recognise the value placed by many in the local community on a school that combines high-quality education with Christian values, enabling children to flourish academically, socially and spiritually."