Stanford Infant and Junior Schools merger proposal

Summary of feedback and findings

We received 224 survey responses plus 11 email submissions during the consultation period. On the key question of whether to support the merger, 42.9% of respondents were in favour, 45.5% were opposed, and 11.6% were unsure. This represents a narrow margin with community opinion finely balanced.

The consultation revealed both significant opportunities and genuine concerns about the proposed merger. The most frequently mentioned opportunities included seamless transition for children, financial savings, shared resources and facilities, and career development for staff. Key concerns raised included staff wellbeing and job security, maintaining the distinctive early years character of the infant school, and the challenges of operating across two sites.

The governing bodies of both schools and the Council have acknowledged the significant strength of feeling expressed by teachers, staff, parents and the wider community and all views submitted through the consultation were carefully considered.

While recognising the concerns raised are valid and significant, the governing bodies have determined that merger represents the best long-term solution to secure a sustainable future for the schools. The combined deficit of £466,000 is not sustainable, and the governing bodies believe that while concerns represent important implementation challenges, they do not outweigh the need to ensure the schools can continue to serve the community effectively.

 The council has taken the community's concerns seriously and will ensure they are addressed as part of the implementation planning if the merger proceeds.

Timeline and next steps

A decision has been made to proceed with the publication of a statutory notice proposing the merger, which has been published today (24 November 2025), this will be followed by a 4 week period which will run from 24 November to 21 December 2025 during which time further representations about the proposal can be made.