TWO schools in Colchester could be set to merge into one a following a consultation run by education bosses.

Montgomery Infant School and Nursery, and Montgomery Junior School, both in Baronswood Way, Colchester, could become a single school.

Essex County Council and the governing bodies of both schools launched a public consultation in May to discuss creating a single primary school under the "unified leadership of one headteacher and one governing body”.

During the consultation, which closed in July, it was suggested the schools merge to create a primary school for children aged four to 11 from April next year.

Road - Baronswood WayRoad - Baronswood Way (Image: Google Maps) Montgomery Infant School and Nursery first opened its doors in September 1967, and teaches children aged three to seven.

Montgomery Junior School opened in 1966 and teaches pupils between the ages of seven and 11.

Both schools were named after Viscount Montgomery and originally acted as garrison schools.

Shrub End ward councillor Sam McCarthy was surprised to hear a consultation had taken place and the merger could be happening.

Reaction - Shrub End ward Councillor Sam McCarthyReaction - Shrub End ward Councillor Sam McCarthy (Image: Councillor Sam McCarthy)

He said: “I was until recently, a governor at Montgomery Infant School for the last few years.

“There were murmurs in the past, but this is news to me, this is something I didn’t know anything about.

“I don’t know if this is being forced by Essex County Council to save costs or anything.

“My view would be if this is something the community, pupils and parents of pupils want, then it is the right thing to do.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “Earlier this year we consulted with the local community about our proposals to merge Montgomery Infant and Junior Schools. 

“The proposals allow pupils to have a consistent educational experience from nursery to Year 6 without the potential disruption of changing schools between Year 2 and Year 3. 

“We are working through next steps and will be able to update residents soon on progress.”

Montgomery Junior School head teacher Michelle Wright said the school would not be commenting on the consultation until after the future of the schools has been confirmed.