A school’s controversial bid for funding to expand and become a primary school has fallen at the first hurdle.

Cleves School in Weybridge, which holds academy status, applied to the Education Funding Agency for money to expand from 600 pupils to 1,050 but this week its bid was rejected.

It wanted to cater for four to 11-year-olds but the plans were met with anger from Oatlands and Manby Lodge Infant Schools, which voiced concerns the changes could force their closure.

Former headteacher Robert Evans, chairman of the Save Our Schools campaign set up in response to Cleves’ proposals, welcomed the funding rejection.

He said: “This is good news for Weybridge. It was difficult to see merit or fairness in the Cleves plan.

“Their idea, which had barely been discussed or the subject of proper consultation, would have seen the closure of two popular local infant schools, Manby Lodge and Oatlands.

“When, as the Labour party in Weybridge, we began this campaign, we had little idea how it would take off.

“First the huge public meeting on May 17, and then the endeavours of local people to see off this plan. It was community spirit at its best.”

Philip Hammond, MP for Runnymede and Weybridge, said: “The bid made by Cleves was unsuccessful.

“However, this does not solve the long-term problem. What we need now is a plan to ensure the viability and sustainability of all primary schools in Weybridge, including Cleves.

“I now hope, in the coming months, to kick-start a process with Cleves, the county council and Oatlands and Manby Lodge, which will ensure we find a solution that best serves the local community as a whole.”

One possibility being looked at was an automatic placement scheme at Cleves for Oatlands and Manby Lodge pupils, which Mr Evans said could allay Cleves’ own fears about not filling places.

Mr Evans said: “We are pleased, but do not think it’s over because Cleves has a track record of re-presenting things or looking elsewhere for solutions.”

Headteacher Sue Croft said: “We are very disappointed that we were unsuccessful in securing the necessary funds to make Cleves a primary school. “We still believe that becoming a full primary school is the right long term objective for Cleves and will continue to pursue opportunities as and when they occur.

“It is our opinion that Surrey County Council’s primary school education strategy is inconsistent, as exemplified in the decision to grant schools in Walton and Hersham full primary school status.

“We are not convinced that the infant school in Weybridge will provide sufficient numbers of children to support Cleves.”