Basildon infant and junior schools to merge into a primary

Greenstead Infant and Nursery will team up with Greenstead Junior School to form a new primary school in Kirby Road.

The merger will create Greenstead Primary School and Nursery, which is set to launch at the start of the new academic year.

Ian Hampshire, the current headteacher at the junior school, will lead the new primary school, with Infant headteacher, Jo Farrow, stepping down.

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Mr Hampshire is hopeful the partnership will improve the education on offer at both schools. 

He said: “The children, staff, and parents are delighted that from September 2022, the Greensted community will be as one with the opening of Greensted Primary School and Nursery.

“The primary school will ensure greater consistency in terms of education and parental relationships and improve the dynamics of both schools.

“It will mean a consistent vision, shared values, and practice across one school, and a continuation of education without re-application / admission from Year Two to Year Three for children and parents.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all Greensted parents for their unwavering support for the school and its community.”

Mr Hampshire went on to pay tribute to Mrs Farrow, adding: "I wish the outgoing infant headteacher, Jo Farrow, all the best for the future and want to thank her for all her hard work over the past 16 years.

“We are working closely together to ensure a smooth and successful amalgamation.”

Mrs Farrow says she will be moving onto a new challenge in September. 

She said: "After a very happy and successful 16 years as headteacher of Greensted Infant School and Nursery, I am now moving on to pastures new.

“I would like to send all of the pupils, staff, and governors of the new primary school every best wish as the infant and junior schools merge and wish them all every success as they embark on the next stage of their Greensted journey.”