Governors and the leadership at Marden Lodge Primary School in Croydon Road have been so impressed by the advantages of joining an Academy Trust they have decided to start the process which begins with a consultation with parents and staff.

Before half term they held a meeting at the school where parents met with leaders from the Glyn Learning Foundation (GLF) who are one of the best Academy Sponsors in Surrey with outstanding Ofsted reports. GLF have been chosen by Marden Lodge to be their Academy Sponsor as they have been seen to be totally committed to giving the children the very best opportunities to achieve and thrive in all areas, from the core subjects of Maths and English to sport and culture. The school has already been using some of the services GLF offer and is very happy with what it has seen.

In the words of one parent, Judy Morrison: "This is a very exciting time and I am pleased and proud to be a part of it".

Parent Lindsey Cresswell added: "As the mother of two children who attend Marden Lodge, I am excited to see what new opportunities are in store for the school as a result of becoming an academy".

Supported by Surrey County Council, Marden Lodge has been continuing to increase the pace of children's progress and sees that working with GLF and the extra resources and opportunities that brings will raise standards even more.

Chair of Governors, Ros Rawling, told parents at the meeting: "While Surrey Council Council is an excellent local education authority with high-performing schools across the county, we feel the benefits of joining an academy trust are particularly suited to our situation. Staff have already worked hard and successfully to improve the outcomes for our children and we see a formal link with GLF to be the next step in building on that improvement and driving up standards even further".

Marden Lodge has been first in Caterham with many things, from integrated wrap-around child care to hosting the first spectacular Party in the Park. Their next 'first' for Caterham is aiming to become a sponsored academy.