Letter: The Education of Ripley Children Is Being Compromised

Published on: 7 Oct, 2021
Updated on: 7 Oct, 2021

From Colin Cross

R4GV borough (Lovelace) and county councillor (The Horsleys)

Yesterday’s story, “Diocese Decision Represents a New Threat to Ripley School, Say Campaigners” indicates the need for the Diocesan Board of Education to urgently update its knowledge regarding surplus school places in this part of the county.

The fact is that schools within three miles of the Ripley site currently are running below the bare minimum of five per cent to meet their statutory duty; this is without the impact of additional housing.

Meanwhile, Surrey County Council’s comment shows a pragmatic consideration of need, basing its decision on future pupil numbers arriving from nearby developments. SCC have made it clear in recent documents that additional places will be required in the local area and that “bulge” classes will be provided if new provision is not available.

The education and welfare of local children, who are the innocent party as this critically important saga continues, is being compromised for current and future generations.

Responses to Letter: The Education of Ripley Children Is Being Compromised

Paul Spooner Reply

October 8, 2021 at 6:20 am

Perhaps Cllr Cross is finally waking up to the need for villages to have young families to support local schools and balanced communities. Better late than never.

Paul Spooner (Conservative) is the GBC councillor for Ash South & Tongham
John Perkins Reply

October 9, 2021 at 9:01 am

I’m confused by Cllr Spooner’s response. His habit of making all arguments personal sometimes makes it difficult to understand his position.

Does he support local schools or oppose them? Closing a local school and forcing the village children to be driven down foggy lanes doesn’t seem to be an entirely good idea, regardless of how young their parents might be.

What does he mean by “balanced communities”? Perhaps he believes we need a new and larger population, with somehow, the right level of homogeneity, in order to continue what was always successful before. Will any putative residents of his ‘Garden Village’ be assessed for balance prior to being allowed to purchase a home?