AN all-girl school is for the first time offering seven-year-old children the chance to win four-year scholarships.

Polam Hall School, in Darlington, already offers a number of scholarships which, like this one, are awarded following an examination open to internal and external candidates.

The school's decision to offer scholarships to children of seven reflects a growing demand for single-sex education, and particularly for entry at junior level, which the Grange Road school has addressed with an expansion.

But it has warned the increase in demand for places earlier in life may mean a shortage in places for girls wishing to join the school later in their education.

Angela Foster, head of the junior school, said: "The demand for single-sex education is high. We have found an increase in the number of girls starting with us at junior level and continuing through the school."

She said it gave increased continuity for the girls - but would reduce the number of places available in year six.

"The new age seven scholarship reflects our own experience that parents are making an early start to find the school of their choice at natural breaks in the girls' education," she said.