East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah has justified his support of Oxted School seeking foundation status and becoming an academy.
He said: "Academies have more freedom to take decisions in the interests of pupils, as well as the benefit of shared expertise and greater collaboration within a multi-academy trust.
"The governors undertook training and sought independent advice to understand the possible options for the school.
"Whilst there are still questions to be answered around foundation status, this does not mean privatising the school grounds.
"The school property would remain publicly owned, with safeguards in place to ensure that future changes would solely be for the benefit of pupils, not The Howard Partnership Trust."
Mr Gyimah said the school had assured him in writing of a commitment to offer comprehensive education for students of all abilities - including its "outstanding" special educational needs, and its visually impaired unit.
He added that the extension of consultation and parent engagement sessions showed the governors were "stepping up to the plate", and weree prepared to listen to parents' concerns.
Mr Gyimah concluded: "This is an issue concerning the long-term future of the school and its students.
"The process should not be delayed on account of the General Election."
