THE man who is set to run the soon-to-be merged Royal Grammar and Alice Ottley schools in Worcester has defended claims parents have not been properly consulted over the historic move.

We exclusively revealed the news about the joining of two of the oldest and most respected independent schools in the city - which sit side by side on the Upper Tything in Barbourne - last week.

The move is set to take place in time for the next academic year in September 2007 and the new school is set to be called The Royal Grammar School Worcester and The Alice Ottley School.

The news was confirmed in letters to parents of pupils at both schools at the weekend and the Worcester News website has been inundated with comments since, with nearly 400 people having posted their views.

Some parents have been fiercely critical of the move, with many commenting that it had been made without any consultation with them or pupils.

However, RGS's current headmaster Andy Rattue, who will takes over at the helm of the new school, said that he had spoken to many parents and pupils and the feedback he had received was very positive.

He added: "I think people accept the fact that the schools are next to each other and it seems like a sensible way forward and I think people are excited about the fact we'll be more co-educational than we are now.

"The decision-making process the governing bodies has been through has been thorough and complicated and this move has not been taken lightly."

Mr Rattue added that there would be a chance for parents and pupils to have their say at a two-week series of private meetings taking place in the new year, the first being on Monday, January 8, at the Alice Ottley School.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Malvern St James's Girls College and School said it was obviously a sad day when a top local and historic independent girls' school has effectively closed.

They added: "We understand, from reading the many comments on the Worcester News website in reaction to the proposed merger, that some girls' parents may have concerns or reservations regarding the merger.

"Any parent who'd therefore still like to consider a girls-only school for their daughter is welcome to contact Malvern St James at any time."