Shadow council signs off on junior school move

Plans to move a Surrey school away from its current premises have been given the green light by councillors.

A planned relocation of Reigate Priory Junior School to new purpose-built facilities at Woodhatch Place, Cockshot Hill was brought before East Surrey's shadow cabinet this week.

The shadow council, which will be responsible for East Surrey's schools from April, was asked to authorise the move following the same decision previously by Surrey County Council.

Council leader Steve Wotton said there was "broad agreement" that the current site was not fit for purpose, but added: "The question is how best to provide a suitable teaching environment and accommodation for children."

Concerns have previously been raised over the location of the new school site – including the potential for increased traffic on the road, and its location further from the centre of Reigate.

A consultation in 2024 deemed the current school site "not fit for providing a 21st Century education to its pupils", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Children and youth services lead member Ashley Tilling spoke against the decision, adding that if the school was moved "we will 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".

The cabinet voted through the plans, with seven members in favour and two against.

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