WORCESTER'S only remaining infant and junior schools will be merged, despite the majority of people who responded to a consultation being against the plan.

A total of 103 responses were received on plans to amalgamate Northwick Manor infant and junior schools - 71 were in opposition, and 28 were in favour. Three responses did not state a preference.

The controversial plans also split the two schools' governing bodies, with the infants school opposed to the merger and the junior school in favour.

But despite the objections Worcestershire County Council's cabinet today approved the plan.

Coun Sue Askin, a governor at the infants school, said: "I do not think the amalgamation is in the best interests of the children.

"The amalgamation of the schools will create a very large all-through school of over 600 children."

Mrs Askin told the cabinet there was no evidence that creating a single primary school would have any educational advantages.

It is the council's policy to look at amalgamating junior and infant schools that share a site when one of the headteachers leaves.

Patricia Hird, headteacher of Northwick Manor Junior School, retired in July and the authority has been consulting with staff, parents, governors and the community since June on a potential merger.

Coun Andy Roberts, chairman of governors at the junior school, said the amalgamation had many advantages.

"We believe that a single school will provide better and more consistent opportunities in respect of children's education, development and wellbeing. It will also bring exciting prospects and new challenges for staff, see that special staff skills are put to their best use and allow resources to be more focused on the children."

The county council will now have to apply to the Secretary of State for Education to approve the merger and a final decision will then be made by cabinet in February.

If all goes ahead the schools will close on August 31, 2008 and will reopen as a new, three-form entry primary school on the same site on September 1.