Statutory notice on the proposed merger of Stanford Infant and Junior schools

We’ve published a statutory notice on the proposed merger of Stanford Infant and Stanford Junior schools.

The publication of the notices follows consultation with parents, carers, staff, governors and the wider community on proposals to close Stanford Junior School and extend the age range of Stanford Infant School from the current 4 to 7 years to 4 to 11 years from September 2026.

The proposed change would create a single all-through primary school operating across both existing sites with one headteacher, one senior leadership team and one governing body.

The publication of the notice marks the start of a 4 week representation period offering residents a further chance to comment on the proposal to merge the schools from September next year.

We want to hear from pupils, parents and carers, staff and local residents. Your feedback is vital in helping us understand the potential impacts of the proposal and inform the decision making process.

• View the Statutory Notice and supporting information for the proposed merger of Stanford Infant and Stanford Junior schools and have your say

The statutory notice period is open until 5pm on Sunday 21 December 2025.

Consultation feedback

The consultation on the merger received 224 survey responses plus 11 email submissions. 42.9% of respondents were in favour of the merger, 45.5% were opposed and 11.6% were unsure. This represents a narrow margin with community opinion finely balanced.

The most frequently mentioned opportunities included seamless transition for children, financial savings, shared resources and facilities, and career development for staff.

The 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 2 sites.

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

Next stages

Following the statutory notice period, any further feedback received will be reviewed and a final decision will be made in the new year. If approved, the changes would take effect from 1 September 2026.

No pupils will be displaced as a result of these proposals. All current students at both schools will continue their education at the single all-through primary school across the 2 existing sites.