It could be shuttered, as so many students have stopped showing up to register. As of October 2021, the school enrolled 81 students. By October 2024, that number has dropped off a cliff to a mere 44. Surrey CC’s cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, Councillor Jonathan Hulley, is raising the alarm about declining pupil numbers. He points to this collapse as the sole justification for the planned closure.
The possible closure has already knocked parents, pupils and staff “gobsmacked”, as they worry they are about to lose a vital asset from their community. If the closure goes ahead district pupils attending St Mary’s Church of England Infant School may transfer to Puttenham Church of England Infant School. We believe this transfer is the best possible outcome under the circumstances.
The council hasn’t officially decided the future of St Mary’s — that will be decided at their meeting on July 7. Save the date for this special and informative event! Until then, the families associated with the school are left with questions and uncertainty.
“Schools receive money from central government based on the number of pupils they have.” – Councillor Jonathan Hulley
Hattie Ward, a parent with strong connections to St Mary’s, told Press Association that she was horrified by the proposed closure. She stressed the role of the school in creating connections and relationships between families, saying that was why they came to the school at first.
Ward called the lack of bus service “very sad,” a characterization that resonates with other parents across his community. Others echoing their concern on the emotional and academic impact this potential closing would have on their children.
“A school isn’t just a place for childcare, it’s a central hub for community.” – Hattie Ward
The Diocesan Board of Education said it recognised the “deeply tragic” position being faced by St Mary’s Church of England Infant School. A spokesperson stated that they are “saddened that the school is faced with this challenging situation” and recognized the concern it will cause among pupils, parents, teachers, and the wider community.
The writing has been on the wall for St Mary’s Church of England Infant School for some time. It represents a larger problem that is going on across Surrey. As communities continue to make sense of these transformations, St Mary’s future is up in the air.
“We will continue to work constructively with the school and the local authority on the next steps.” – Diocesan Board of Education spokesperson
This trend of declining pupil numbers is not unique to St Mary’s Church of England Infant School but is reflective of a broader issue seen across Surrey. As communities grapple with these changes, the future of St Mary’s remains uncertain.
