THE head teacher of the borough's new primary school is excited about taking in her first pupils in September, despite anger and confusion surrounding place allocations.
Lime Tree Primary School will open to 60 reception-age pupils in the former Sandcross infant site in Alexander Road, Reigate, next term, but the children – the majority of whom did not list the school in any of their preferences – will come from Merstham and Redhill.
The school received 25 applications, which families were able to lodge in addition to the usual three school choices.
Head Jo Newton said she was keen to allay fears from parents who have complained their children are being sent to a school they know nothing about.
"It is not ideal, but we didn't have an opportunity to meet them prior to the application process," said Miss Newton.
"I am really excited about meeting the families and the children and answering their questions on what we are about, what we can offer and how we can work together to make sure communication is better from now on in. We want to start working with the families so they are part of the school and are excited about September."
The school, an academy run by the Glyn Learning Foundation, will be in Reigate for up to two years. Surrey County Council – which is responsible for ensuring there are enough school places – plans to construct a purpose-built primary in Battlebridge Lane, Merstham. However, the green belt site is contentious, and no application has been submitted.
But Miss Newton said she hoped the school would move in within two years: "We are working closely with Surrey and it is in everyone's best interests to move forward with it," she said.
"All being well, it will go through, and we are looking for the build to start in the next academic term. "
She said the Alexander Road school has had a complete refurbishment and urged parents and interested parties to visit open mornings today (Thursday) and tomorrow, from 9am to noon.
