THE controversial merging of two schools looks set to go ahead, after being cleared by Government officials.

The proposal to amalgamate Ferndale junior and infant schools to form a single primary school has divided those involved.

Issues such as the budget, motivation, and the overall effect were raised during a public consultation on the new school, due to be situated on Ferndale Road.

Ferndale Junior School headteacher Judith Randall-Sky said: "We're fully supportive of the proposal."

While the move has largely been welcomed by Ferndale Junior School, the idea has not proved so popular at the infant school.

The idea would be to resite both schools. But representatives for Ferndale Infant School were initially uncomfortable with the plan as they felt extending their original site to accommodate older pupils would be a better option.

In the past Ferndale Infant School chairman of governors Neil Uzzell had criticised the merger as a money-saving scheme.

He also did not think it right that Christine Griffin, headteacher at the Ferndale Infant School, might be put aside as a result of the merger.

A report prepared in preparation for a meeting of Swindon Council's cabinet in November 2007 said the principal aim was to improve education standards in the area.

In addition, the report hoped there would be a unified vision for the two schools, more budget flexibility and increased expertise.

It stated: "Although the two schools perform well and currently work together, the authority considers that becoming an all-through primary school would offer a number of additional benefits, including a single leadership team."

Last year Swindon Council launched a public consultation into the issue, which asked parents and pupils what they thought about a merger.

The main concern has been whether this scheme would benefit the school or just link two schools without any real financial or educational benefit.

Earlier cabinet reports by the council in early 2007 suggested the step was necessary to prevent misuse of the school budget due to a surplus capacity at both schools.

Now the Office of the Schools Adjudicator has approved the proposal.

Ms Griffin declined to comment on the latest development.