Surrey County Council has been urged by Humanists UK to choose the school of no-religious character option when deciding on the merger of Merrow Junior School and Merrow C of E Controlled Infant School.
The new consultation follows widespread opposition to the council’s original proposal, which would have seen Merrow Junior School, a larger school of no religious character, merged into a new Church of England primary school. Humanists UK welcomed the rethink in June, after the county council agreed to consult on an alternative that would preserve inclusive, non-faith provision in Merrow.
In its response to the new proposals – which offers two options: merge and create a school of no religious character, or merge and create a faith school, Humanists UK said a school with no religious character is the best option for the community. This would preserve the practical benefits of amalgamation, while making sure the merged school remains genuinely open to all children and families, regardless of religion or belief.
Analysis of the original consultation showed that the proposed Church of England designation was the main barrier to community support. The consultation analysis found that it was the ‘most contentious issue’ in responses, appearing in 67% of all comments. Respondents were concerned that a Church of England school would not reflect Merrow’s diverse community, could deter some families from applying, and would remove the existing school of no religious character option at Key Stage 2.
Commenting on the plans, Humanists UK’s Policy and Campaigns Manager Lewis Young said:
‘Surrey County Council was right to listen to parents and the wider community after its original plan to merge Merrow Junior School into a Church of England faith school met such strong opposition.
‘Faith school takeovers should not be the default answer to falling pupil numbers. Local schools should be open to all children and families, and the most inclusive and unifying option is a school of no religious character. This would preserve the benefits of a merger while making sure the new school is genuinely open to the whole community.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only).
Read more about our work on state-funded faith schools.
Read our consultation response.
Read how widespread local opposition forced a rethink on merger plans.
Read why faith school takeovers are not an answer to falling pupil numbers.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.