TWO schools will be merged by September.

Swindon Council's schools organisation committee voted unanimously at the Civic Offices last night to create a new primary school from Covingham Park Infant and Junior Schools.

There had only been one objector to the proposal, and acting junior school headteacher Jon Swaffield argued for the merger.

He said: "I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the community of Covingham and the children in particular.

"It will be a greater addition to their education to have the chance to follow their learning through from four until eleven.

"I expect to see great improvements in their achievements studying at a school with a complete vision."

In January last year the junior school sank into special measures following a damning Ofsted report.

Inspectors found pupils' progress was inadequate and that the school had been on a downward slide since the last inspection in 1999.

Mr Swaffield was drafted in from Haydonleigh Primary to get the school out of special measures and standards improved.

Coun Garry Perkins, (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms), the cabinet member for children's services, said: "We are pleased that this decision has been made and look forward to seeing improvements for the children of Covingham."

Teacher Julia Stone, 30, welcomed the committee's decision.

She said: "I am very pleased that we have got the go-ahead because it means the children's education will be planned from one coherent viewpoint."

Parent Jo Ludlow was also happy that her son would receive a primary education.

Jo, 37, said: "My daughter went through both schools and my son should reap the benefits of going to a full primary, we're very happy."

Nearly £200,000 has been earmarked for building work to integrate the two schools.

It will include a walkway joining the buildings on The Harriers site.