St. John the Evangelist, Merrow

16/06/2026

MERROW SCHOOLS FEDERATION
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

The Merrow Schools Federation consists of a church school (Merrow CofE Infant School) and a Local Authority school (Merrow Junior School). Both schools have the same Governing Body, Head and senior leadership team.

In the current area, birth rates are falling, and the impact on each local school (and nursery) is stark. The schools in the Merrow Federation are struggling with both pupil numbers and finances. On its current trajectory, if the Federation continues as it is, then both schools will be unviable by September 2027. This has caused the Governing Body to want to take clear and decisive action to safeguard both schools and the future educational opportunities for children right across the Merrow area, as top quality education is such an asset and draw for families to this area.

Following long deliberations, and fully championed by the Head, the Governing Body has taken the decision to merge both schools, amalgamating to become either a single Church of England Primary school or a Local Authority Primary School, on the site of the current Junior School by September 2027.

The excellent support offered by the Diocese of Guildford to the current Merrow Church of England infant school would extend to cover a new amalgamated Church of England Primary school, and their very strong record in school improvement and personal support is one of the key reasons why the new CofE primary school would be in the best possible hands to drive outstanding educational outcomes for all children. A new Church primary school will continue to be an inclusive, small and nurturing school for children in the Merrow community and will exist alongside the other three schools in Merrow.

With both schools moving to one site, it is hoped that Surrey County Council will be able to take on the Infant school site and create a new SEN school for Guildford and the surrounding area, something so desperately needed across Surrey.

A new Church of England Primary school is a wonderful idea but it won’t become a reality unless those in favour vote for it, as part of a wider community consultation which is run by SCC. If you have further questions, please do get in touch with The Rev’d Tim Clifford Hill ([email protected]) because we would love to hear your views, answer any concerns you have and share more of why we fully endorse the Church of England Primary school proposal. But we really need your support.

Please click on the consultation link below and make your voice heard!

We are seeking your views on the future of Merrow C of E Controlled Infant School and Merrow Junior School, and specifically on the two options presented below.

15/06/2026

Youth Café this Wednesday! Year 6 to Year 11.... Click for more information

Youth CaféWednesday 17 June 2026, 17:00 - 18:30Main Hall, 222 Epsom Road, Guildford GU1 2RGGeorgie Gregson£1 plus money for tuck shop (most things 50p)Youth C

14/06/2026

Communion 14 June - Gift Sunday

08/06/2026

Youth Café this Wednesday! Year 6 to Year 11.... Click for more information

Youth CaféWednesday 10 June 2026, 17:00 - 18:30Main Hall, 222 Epsom Road, Guildford GU1 2RGGeorgie Gregson£1 plus money for tuck shop (most things 50p)Youth C

07/06/2026

All-Age Service of the Word 7th June 2026

06/06/2026

Food Bank
The Food Bank would greatly appreciate donations of

• Instant Coffee (Not Decaf)
• Rice
• Tomato Ketchup
• Choc Spread/Marmite
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Toilet Roll

Please put donations in the boxes in the Church Centre, thank you.
The QR code can be used for monetary donations to the Food Bank.
_________________________________________________________
Baby Basics

The donation point will be closed this week

Massive thank you for all the donations.
With your help we’ve been able to help many new mums and we couldn’t do it without your support and donations.

For more information email [email protected], or if you would like to contribute financially to the work we do, please visit www.saintjohns.org.uk/babybasics.

Thank you.

06/06/2026

Regular Giving at St John’s

Do you give to St John’s in the collection pouch on Sundays, or use the card machine at the back of church?

If so, would you consider giving regularly by direct debit instead?

Having the regularity of giving helps us considerably in terms of planning and budgeting, and it is easier for you too!

If you are interested to find out more, please scan this QR code or speak with Tim, or Martin Thompson
([email protected]).

06/06/2026

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care in a church should be something we all share, even if some people take a lead on it through training and their personal gifts.

We have a vision of Christ-centred pastoral care as a major element of the life of any church, along with worship and teaching.

At St. John’s, the whole church family aims to care for each other.

If you know anyone who would like to be visited (at home or in hospital) or receive communion at home, please let Tim know.

06/06/2026

Wednesday Morning Coffee Club

Coffee club is open for business 10.15am every Wednesday until the school holiday when we will close on the 22nd July to give all the hard working helpers and drivers a rest.

Following the success of our trip to Paddington we thought we would try a couple of informal get togethers over the summer, so we are holding two events:
• The Horse & Groom Merrow on the 5th August at 11.30
• Edwins Garden Centre at Clandon Park on the 26th August at
11.30

These are drop in events and anyone is welcome to join me, members and non-members, there is no need to book, just turn up!

Hope to see you there and either way enjoy the Summer, Gerald Hunt.

Should you have any queries, please contact me on e-mail [email protected] or ring me on 07545 256114

06/06/2026

St John’s Pre-School

Are you looking for a nursery place for your little ones?

We have the St John’s Pre-School here at the St John’s Centre.
Contact Amanda Bazley on 01483 454625 for more details