Moore Kingston Smith advises Hoe Bridge School on its merger with Greenfield School

Hoe Bridge School and Greenfield School, two highly respected independent schools both with excellent ratings and based in Woking, Surrey, have announced their merger.

Moore Kingston Smith Corporate Finance has advised on this transaction, which is creating a unified education vision in Surrey, and it will benefit 800 pupils by enhancing academic and pastoral provision through shared expertise.

Both schools had ambitions to expand their educational offerings and provide a more comprehensive, all-through experience for pupils. Hoe Bridge had initially planned to expand its current site, while Greenfield sought to build on its early years and preparatory strengths. This merger amplifies their curriculum and educational scope and accelerates the achievement of their strategic goals.

In a landmark decision, the Governing Bodies of both schools agreed to merge, forming a new all-through co-educational school for pupils aged six months to 16 years. From September 2026, the unified school will operate under the name Hoe Bridge School, spanning both existing campuses.

The Greenfield site will host a year-round nursery and a senior school for Years 9 to 11, while the Hoe Bridge site will continue as a term-time nursery and preparatory school for Reception to Year 8.

This strategic merger allows the new school to offer a seamless educational journey from infancy through to GCSEs underpinned by their long shared commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.

Moore Kingston Smith Corporate Finance has advised on this transaction, providing financial and tax due diligence. The team has been led by Dan Leaman, Corporate Finance partner with expertise in education, supported by Florence Horne, Manager specialised in transaction services, Ellis Henderson, Assistant Manager, and John Downe, Supervisor. Dave Coates, Tax Partner, and Sam Talbot, Manager, have delivered the tax analysis.

Ian Katté, Chair of Governors at Hoe Bridge School, commented: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter in our history. Founding a new all-through to 16 school means not only will pupils be able to enjoy the best of our two exceptional schools, but a broader range of year-groups will now be able to take advantage of all these opportunities we have here.”

Hannah Davies, Bursar at Hoe Bridge School, continued: “Moore Kingston Smith has been crucial in this transition. Their expertise and knowledge of the education sector, paired with the commitment and dedication have made possible to deliver this project on a tight deadline.”

Dan Leaman, Corporate Finance Partner at Moore Kingston Smith, concluded: “It’s been a pleasure working with Hoe Bridge School. The newly merged school will offer a continuous educational pathway from infancy to GCSEs, enhance the academic and pastoral provision, and broaden access to a wider range of extra-curricular activities. We extend our best wishes for their continued success.”