A third Basildon school has bowed to Government pressure and is to merge its infant and junior campuses.

Merrylands schools in Cumberland Drive, Laindon, are to follow in the footsteps of nearby Manor and Swan Mead schools and set the ball rolling to merge the two halves.

The unanimous decision comes after a Government ruling that all schools which are split into infant and junior campuses must have their own governing bodies from January 1.

Until now, most single site schools have shared the one set of governors.

Work will now start to merge the two after fears not to do so could be to the detriment of both schools.

Merrylands has not been the only school in the town to listen to research which suggests primary units offer a smoother transition between infant and junior years. Nearby Manor and Swan Mead schools, both in Church Road, Basildon, are also now in the process of creating primary schools.

Lesley Woodley, chairman of governors for Merrylands schools, believes this growing trend is the way forward anyway.

She said: "What we are worried about is the future. We know we will all work together for the good of the schools - it is when new headteachers or governors come along that problems may begin.

"A difference in ideas and opinions could lead to a divide between the two schools."

Both Merryland schools have been recognised for their high education standards and it is hoped this will continue after the proposed merger is complete in April 2001.

Joining - Infants head Vera Acklan and junior head Corin Whymark

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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