GOVERNORS at an under-threat Worcester school have sent a letter to education chiefs arguing why it should not be merged with its neighbour.

The statement argues point-by-point against Worcestershire County Council's reasons for recommending the amalgamation of Warndon Infants and Junior schools.

Governors at the infants school have submitted the document as part of the consultation on the plans.

Parents' views were put to council officers at two public meetings - one at each Edgeworth Close school - last month. Governors were especially impressed by the strength of parents' feeling.

The four-page letter, signed by infants school chair of governors David Hands, said: "Parents value the smaller school environment and easy access to the headteacher.

"We remain convinced the children will be better served by maintaining two separate budgets and two separate sets of teaching and management staff working in close liaison.

"The atmosphere of a smaller school and a more narrow age range is beneficial for our children, who often start with low base line social skills.

"These benefits have been supported by Ofsted analysis of the performance of smaller schools."

It also said that many of the reasons put forward in favour of the merger failed "to take into account the existing liaison between the two schools".

Worcestershire County Council believes there would be educational, financial and staffing benefits for the schools, which are side-by-side, if both were closed and reopened as a single primary.

It has decided to look into the option because infants' school head Margaret Probett is retiring this year.

Jill Georgiou, chair of governors at Warndon Junior School, said the board had listened to all sides and, on balance, supported amalgamation.

"We believe that the direction of one headteacher would ensure the best progression," she said.