TWO schools look likely to amalgamate to save them from closure.

Pupil numbers at St Peter's and St Andrew's RC primary schools, in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, have dropped and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is predicting they will continue to fall.

The schools have places for 210 pupils each but the school roll at St Andrew's school is 202 while St Peter's has only 149 pupils.

Pupil numbers are expected to fall to 165 and 96 respectively by January 2008.

St Peter's headteacher Maureen O'Callaghan said: "Parents and teachers are sorry St Peter's is closing as it has been going since the 1800s, but I think the amalgamation is an absolutely excellent idea and all the children in the two schools will be catered for in the new school.

"Both schools are excellent and the combination of the two will ensure a quality education for all the children."

Middlesbrough Diocesan Authority felt that action was required and supported the amalgamation of the schools rather than closing one.

Neither school building is large enough to accommodate all of the pupils so additional accommodation will be required at one of the school sites.

The amalgamation will lead to some reduction in the number of staff.

However, the post of headteacher of St Andrew's RC will become vacant next month.

Steve Kay, cabinet member for education at the borough council, said: "We want a full and open consultation with all interested parties.

"We accept this will be a difficult time for parents and children and it is our aim to make the process as open and transparent as possible."