Talks are under way about the possibility of merging two Ashford schools.

Christ Church secondary school would merge with Linden Grove primary school and the Ray Allen Children’s Centre to provide a so-called “all-through” academy, which would provide education for children in the Stanhope area aged from three to 19.

Education chiefs at Kent County Council say the plan is in response to calls by some parents to remove the need for children to change schools at age 11 and to provide greater continuity for pupils and their families.

The county council and Canterbury Diocese, as Christ Church is a Church aided school, are holding initial discussions with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) about the merger, but they stress that no decisions have been made and no formal request has been submitted to the Government for consideration.

An all-through academy would bring extra investment, including potential private sector cash.

But as a new school it would require all staff to apply for new jobs. If the concept progresses, education bosses say there will be full public consultation and discussion with staff and their unions.

KCC cabinet member for operations, resources and skills, Cllr Mark Dance (Con), said: “We want to ensure that this community is served by the highest possible quality of education and that a wide range of services are available to all residents.”

Keith Simmons, head teacher at Linden Grove, said: “This is an exciting concept that can help us achieve quicker the vision that we already have for our pupils and community.”

Catherine Barber, head teacher at Ashford Christ Church CE School, said: “Our school is already undergoing significant change to improve the quality of education it provides to its students. An all-through academy proposal would help us address some of the key challenges we face in the future.”

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