‘Damaging’ school merger risks cuts to funding and jobs

The schools targeted for a merger – Harefield Infants and Harefield Juniors – are set to lose almost £160,000 in funding.

Hillingdon Council have come under fierce criticism from school support staff and their union over a proposed school merger.

Under the proposal, Harefield Infant School and Harefield Junior School will merge to create a single primary school.

GMB Union have questioned the suitability of the council’s plan after it emerged that the schools will lose £159,000 in funding.

Anna Lee, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“Despite extensive questioning, the council has failed to explain how this merger would benefit either school.

“Staff, parents, and school governing bodies are all opposed to it because critical funding will be slashed.

“Years of austerity mean that resources have already been cut to the bone.

“We are in no doubt that the merger will cost jobs, and we urge Hillingdon to abandon this damaging proposal.”

A GMB member said:

“This merger would be a disaster for our schools.

“Ultimately it is the children who will suffer if this proposal goes ahead.”

Sign our petition opposing the merger.