Reigate Priory Junior School approved to move to new site

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 15:46 · Archive

East Surrey shadow council has approved plans to relocate Reigate Priory Junior School to a new purpose-built facility at Woodhatch Place.

East Surrey shadow council has approved plans to move Reigate Priory Junior School from its current Grade I listed building to new purpose-built facilities at Woodhatch Place, Cockshot Hill. The shadow authority, which will take responsibility for East Surrey's schools from April, signed off on the proposal following the same decision by Surrey County Council earlier this year. A 2024 consultation had concluded the existing site was 'not fit for providing a 21st century education to its pupils'.

Council leader Steve Wotton said there was 'broad agreement' that the current site was not fit for purpose but noted 'the question is how best to provide a suitable teaching environment and accommodation for children'. The cabinet voted through the plans with seven members in favour and two against. Concerns had been raised about the location of the new site, including the potential for increased traffic on the road and its location further from the centre of Reigate.

Children and youth services lead member Ashley Tilling was one of the two cabinet members to vote against the decision. He warned that moving the school would leave 'a legacy of a boarded up, looking rather ugly Grade I building – which is actually at the heart of Reigate and is one of the features that makes Reigate such an attractive place to live in'. Opposition leader David Lewis subsequently suggested Tilling should 'consider his position' in cabinet.

How it is being reported

• Leading East Surrey councillor rejects opposition calls to 'consider his position' after school move debatePlans were approved earlier this week for the relocation of Reigate Priory Junior SchoolSurrey Live · 30 Oct, 15:18
• Shadow council signs off on junior school moveEast Surrey shadow council approves the move of Reigate Priory Junior School to new location.BBC Surrey · 30 Oct, 12:34
• Reigate primary school site move given green light by shadow council despite concernsThe current school site has been described as “not fit for providing a 21st century education to its pupils”Surrey Live · 29 Oct, 16:10

In this story: Reigate Priory Junior School · East Surrey shadow council · Surrey County Council · Reigate · Steve Wotton · Ashley Tilling · David Lewis

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