CONSULTATIONS are planned ahead of a proposed merger of two of Thanet’s oldest schools.

If all goes well the partnership will see The Hereson Boys’ School, currently at Broadstairs, join Ellington School for Girls, Ramsgate, on its new £9million purpose-built site on the border of the two towns.

Staff and governors have been advised of the Kent County Council proposal, and head teachers Cathy Smith (Ellington) and Tony Hamson (Hereson) say they are united in supporting "an exciting educational project".

But Ramsgate county councillor Elizabeth Green said parents are angry at Kent County Council’s planned merger.

She said: "I am really concerned we may be seeing the death of Ramsgate single sex schools.

"Parental choice and diversity of schools is really important. A full and meaningful consultation is vital."

Tens of millions of pounds is being spent in secondary education in Thanet between now and 2011 via the Government’s Building Schools for the Future initiative.

This KCC proposal will put Ellington/Hereson at the forefront of the pioneering package for improvements and change.

Ms Smith and Mr Hamson said: "It is an excellent opportunity for both schools, our staff and most importantly our students.

"Our shared traditional values will remain but we will be working at the cutting edge of educational development."