Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Two schools in Caerphilly are nearing the final stages of a proposed merger deal which supporters say will benefit children moving to Key Stage 2.

If approved, the amalgamation of Hendre Infants School and Hendre Junior School will take effect from September.

The two schools, on opposite sides of St Cenydd Road, will function as a single primary institution but will continue to operate on their existing sites.

Caerphilly County Borough Council said amalgamation offers a “more formal way of extending existing collaboration and promoting closer working relationships” between the two schools.

A consultation held last year found 176 of the schools’ 195 older pupils supported the strengthening of ties.

The council’s cabinet went on to launch a further period of consultation, as is required by law, in January and February this year – but received no statutory objections.

At a meeting of the council’s education committee, on Tuesday March 11, members voted unanimously to endorse the recommendation to move to the final decision stage.

Cabinet members will meet in mid-April to decide whether to finalise the amalgamation process.