TWO Gorse Hill schools could be merged into one, under proposals to be discussed next week.

Gorse Hill Infant School and Gorse Hill Junior School would be closed and re-opened as one primary school in September 2011 under the scheme.

The plans have come about because of the impending retirement of the headteacher of the Junior School, which is on the same site as the Infant School.

Swindon Council’s cabinet will discuss the proposals at a meeting on Wednesday at the Civic Offices.

If the cabinet agrees the recommendations parents and local people will be consulted.

Although the new all-through primary school would not open until 2011 the two schools would be working closely to prepare for amalgamation throughout the 2010/11 academic year.

Coun Maurice Fanning (Lab, Gorse Hill and Pinehurst) welcomed the move.

“These are two very school, with very good Ofsted reports, which are already operating on the same site,” he said.

“Putting them together equals an even better option to serve the children that go there.

“It also means that the children can then move on to the academy and they will have been prepared for that.

“There’s bound to be teething problems but I see this is a positive step.

“The comments I have go from parents have been generally positive. At worst people seem resigned to the fact this is going to happen but a lot of people are pleased.”

Coun Garry Perkins, lead member for children services, said: “This would be a good move for a number of reasons. Obviously it makes sense financially because we would only have one management cost.

“It’s also beneficial educationally because it means a continuous flow for the children.

“Teachers have also said that amalgamation gives them greater choice because there is a broader age range.

“The feedback I have had so far has been very positive and the governing bodies of both schools are working with us.”

Pre-statutory consultation will take place between January and March before reporting back to cabinet.

If it is agreed further consultation will be carried out between July and September.

The cabinet meeting will be held at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, from 6pm on Wednesday.