ACTIVE consideration is being given to the possible amalgamation of two of North Yorkshire’s secondary schools.

The county council is looking at proposals to bring together Eskdale School and Caedmon College, both in Whitby, to create a single 11-19 school for the town and its surrounding area.

The authority has long held the view that a single secondary school would be the best way of providing high-quality education, sustainable into the future, to children and young people in the area.

And following recent discussions, both schools have agreed to support the proposal to consult on an amalgamation of the two schools.

However no decisions have yet been taken about the proposals or the future of any of the school sites.

Corporate director for young people’s services Pete Dwyer said: “We want the young people of Whitby to have the best opportunities in teaching and learning to give them the greatest choices in their future lives in what is a rapidly changing and challenging world.”

He added: “This has been our primary focus and we have been working with the governing bodies of the two schools to put together the right proposal. No decisions have yet been taken about a single school.”

The decision to go forward and consult on the proposals will be taken on February 9.