Changes to school's admissions policy scrapped

Campaigners say their children could lose a place at the school if the admissions policy changes

Proposed changes to a Surrey secondary school's admissions policy have been scrapped following a public consultation.

Parents launched a campaign after Hinchley Wood School in Esher announced plans to prioritise students who attend primary schools within its own trust from September 2026.

Annette Whymark, a parent who led the campaign, said she was "elated" at the reversal of plans, which she said was "such a relief".

Hinchley Wood Learning Partnership said on its website: "We want to reassure all stakeholders that our priority remains unchanged — providing the very best education and support for every pupil in our care."

Currently there are four local feeder primary schools for Hinchley Wood - two of which are run by the academy trust.

Some parents feared that children from two other feeder schools, St Mary's in Long Ditton and Claygate in Esher, would be less of a priority.

Sandra Cunningham, head teacher of Claygate Primary School, told BBC Radio Surrey: "We were concerned about the change of feeder status and are pleased they have changed their mind."

Parent Annette Whymark said: "This would have left children in Long Ditton without a local secondary school.

"It was incredibly unfair."

Annette Whymark led the campaign to get the school's decision reversed

A spokesperson for the school trust wrote: "The relationships with our neighbouring schools is incredibly important to us and we are committed to working closely with them to strengthen partnerships and enhance opportunities for all children in the local area."

The trust has been approached by the BBC for comment.