GLF Schools

GLF Schools

GLF Schools was founded in 2012 in order to enable the federation of Glyn School (an academy in 2011) and Danetree Junior School. Together, we began our journey to become a MAT of more than 1000 talented staff working with over 10,000 children in 40 schools across 5 regions in southern England.

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Posted on: 12/05/2026

Glyn School East Surrey Council Elections Hustings

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Our school hall was buzzing last week as we hosted a spirited Q&A hustings for the upcoming East Surrey Council elections — and what an afternoon it turned out to be. Our sixth formers came armed with sharp, thoughtful and occasionally delightfully uncompromising questions, and even a courageous Year 8 student, Zaroon in 8T, stepped up to challenge the panel with a question on social housing quality.

The discussion ranged widely, touching on issues that matter deeply to young people in Epsom and Ewell: the recent Epsom protests, the future of development at Priest Hill, and the ever‑present challenge of congestion across the borough. The candidates certainly had their work cut out, and our students showed they were more than ready to hold them to account.

Beyond the lively debate, this was a valuable learning experience. Seeing local democracy in action — up close, unscripted, and sometimes under pressure — gave students a real sense of how local government works and why their voices matter. For our Year 13s, many of whom will be voting for the first time on Thursday, this was a timely opportunity to engage critically and confidently with the issues shaping their community.

It was also fantastic to see so many younger students in the audience. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to grapple with local issues added real energy to the room. From KS3 through to Year 12, their presence showed that political awareness is alive and well across the school.

We extend our warm thanks to all the candidates who attended and gave their time so generously in this busy period:

  • Ben Cronin – Reform UK

  • Robert Geleit – Labour Party

  • Steven McCormick – Residents’ Association of Epsom and Ewell

  • Kieran Persand – Conservative Party

  • Amandeep Sandhawalia – Green Party

  • Sammi Villabon – Liberal Democrats

We also acknowledge Independent candidate Alex Coley, who sent his apologies due to prior family commitments.

We are incredibly proud of our students — not only for the quality of their questions, but for the maturity, curiosity and civic spirit they brought to the event. If this hustings is anything to go by, our future voters are more than ready to make informed, thoughtful choices when they head to the ballot box.