Solihull School and Saint Martin’s School to merge

Solihull School and Saint Martin’s School today announced that from September 2020 they will merge, to form a combined co-educational 3-18 year old day school on two campuses.

The merger will create a larger Solihull School, which will provide a Junior and Infant School on the Saint Martin’s Campus and a Senior School and Sixth Form on the Warwick Road Campus.

A spokesperson said: “Following these changes, pupils will continue to benefit from excellent facilities, with investment planned for both campuses. Lessons will continue to be in small classes and pupils will enjoy a diverse range of music, sports and creative and performing arts opportunities. In recent years, both Schools have opened new buildings, including a Performance Arts Centre, the David Turnbull Music School and Sixth Form Centre.

“The merger aims to strengthen the reputation of the combined School as a leading provider of high quality, holistic education in the area, renowned for its strong pastoral care.

“With effect from January 2020, the School will have an enlarged Governing Body with representatives from both Solihull and Saint Martin’s.

“The Chairman of the Board will be Mr Mark Hopton, current Chairman of Solihull. The new Governing Body will have sole responsibility for the governance of the combined School. The merger is conditional upon a number of legal matters being completed and in the interim, there will be a transition steering group comprising governors and senior leaders of both Schools.

“The Head of the combined School will be Mr David EJJ Lloyd, current Headmaster of Solihull. Governors of both Solihull and Saint Martin’s are committed to ensuring that the School has the strongest possible leadership and over the coming months we will evaluate what is needed, capturing the essence of the School and its future requirements.”

David EJJ Lloyd, Headmaster of Solihull, said: “We are delighted to be merging with Saint Martin’s. It provides a significant opportunity for pupils and staff of the new combined School. The Schools are a good fit in terms of our shared ethos and approach to the education of young people.”

Mark Hopton, Chairman of Solihull Governors, said: “We look forward to working together to take both Schools forward to preserve and improve the education and opportunities for the pupils in our care.“

Nicola Smillie, Head of Saint Martin’s, said: “The new School will continue to provide a stimulating environment in which pupils want to learn through excellent teaching; where they take responsibility for their own learning, both in the classroom and outside of it; and achieve the very best results of which they are capable, in the spirit of Saint Martin’s founding principles.”

Carol McNidder, Chair of Saint Martin’s Governors, said: “We regularly evaluate the environment in which we operate and continually seek what is best for Saint Martin’s pupils and their families. This merger has clear benefits educationally and pastorally and crucially secures the future education of our pupils.”

A spokesperson added: “Individual visits are especially welcomed and can be arranged by contacting Admissions on 0121 705 4273 or by emailing admissions@solsch.org.uk.

“The next Open Days for the new School will be held on Saturday 21st September for Senior School and Sixth Form enquiries and on Saturday 16th November for Junior School enquiries. Both events will enable parents to learn more about the School and its future plans.”