The Army will oppose any moves to amalgamate a school which serves garrison children.

Staff, governors, pupils and parents at Montgomery Infants and Junior schools gave the message loud and clear to members of Essex County Council education committee at a public meeting last night that the schools are "unique".

They should not be included in the current review, and moves to amalgamate them would not be tolerated, they warned.

The audience heard the merger of the two schools, which share a site on the garrison estate, would make half a million for the county council which is looking to raise £8 million from the review.

The money would not be spent on the Montgomery schools, but invested in other areas of Colchester.

Col Julian Lacey, Colchester Garrison Commander, told the meeting, the welfare of forces families is linked directly to the operational efficiency of the country's fighting forces.

"Husbands are often away from their families and families themselves are constantly on the move," he said.

"The last thing we want when away on duty is for there to be problems at home. The current Montgomery Schools are an outstanding example of education committing itself to the needs of children whose parents are looking after the welfare of the country."

Col Lacey stressed that the £900 million redevelopment of Colchester Garrison, which is currently on the table, would commit the Army to Colchester for a period of time and would undoubtedly mean growth in families and children.

Plans for the Montgomery Schools merger would mean 58 fewer places and fewer classes at the combined primary school.

Parents within the audience praised the schools highly, especially the "one-to-one" contact which pupils have with both teachers and headteachers, something parents feel would be lost if one large school is created.

School parent governor, Captain George Tweedy, who has two children currently at the Montgomery Schools, said if the schools were amalgamated then everything they stood for would be lost.

"The ethos of both Montgomery School is important to me and to my children - it creates an atmosphere where they can feel safe, secure, and can enjoy their education.

"The Army wholeheartedly supports Colchester and we hope we will be supported in blocking any changes to our schools. They are working well so should be left alone."

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