Two Surrey schools more than 10 miles apart are set to merge at the end of the month. The Hindhead and Godalming schools hope that the collaboration will bring with it more opportunities and better facilities for its pupils.
St. Edmund’s School in Hindhead and St. Hilary’s School in Godalming aim to have merged by the end of November 2024. St Hilary’s will merge into the existing St. Edmund’s School Trust, building on an informal relationship between the two that has existed for a while.
St Hilary’s, an independent junior school, takes boys and girls from two to 11 and has a music wing, performing arts hall and lots of opportunities to learn outside. St. Hilary’s pupils have regularly progressed into St Edmund’s at Year 7.
St Edmund’s is a 150-year-old school that aims to offer a traditional education with a modern twist for pupils aged two - 16. As well as aiming for academic results, teachers try to devote plenty of time to sport, music, drama, art and many other activities,
Dr Adam Walliker, Headmaster St Edmund’s School said: ‘’We’re very much looking forward to maintaining the distinct community spirit that has always defined St. Edmund’s while also embracing new opportunities for collaboration and resource-sharing with St. Hilary’s that will benefit our pupils, parents, and staff.’’
Mrs Whittingham, Headteacher of St. Hilary’s School said: “This is a very exciting new chapter for St. Hilary’s – a merger that brings together over 250 years of educational excellence built on a shared philosophy of child centred learning, respect and kindness. St. Hilary’s will continue to provide an excellent all round education preparing pupils for life at senior school and beyond.”
The school’s hope the merger will create educational benefits through shared expertise and new opportunities, as well as financial advantages from greater cost efficiencies. In a letter to parents, the schools also outlined that the merger would bring improved facilities, while also preserving each school's identity and traditions.
