The idea has been given a warm welcome by Ashbrow councillor Cath Harris.

She believes the recent joint work done by the two schools can only be improved if a merger takes place.

“The infants school has been rated as outstanding by Ofsted over the past few years and I am sure families would like to see that carried on into the junior school years,’’ said Clr Harris.

“Mrs Plant has done marvellous work at the infants school and the children there have benefited enormously.

“It is about making the whole school a great place for children and their families in years to come.

“There will have to be some changes in the senior management of both schools but as far as teaching staff are concerned, there would be the same number of children and the same number of classes.

“A lot of investment has been put into Ashbrow Junior School in recent months. The Deighton and Brackenhall Initiative came up with funding and the improvement work to the buildings was carried out by people working for the Deighton group Fresh Horizons, meaning there is very much a community involvement in the future.”

She added: “Parents have huge confidence in the investment in their children at the infants school and they want to see the same when they move up to the juniors.”