TWO York schools could merge after a review of education provision in the area takes place.

Rawcliffe Infant School and Clifton Without Junior school will be reviewed following the announcement that the head teacher of Rawcliffe Infants, Nick Long, is leaving.

The exercise has also come about because of housing developments in the area which could affect population trends.

There is a possibility that the schools could merge to form one primary school, which has happened in other areas of the city.

But assistant director of education at the City of York Council, Kevin Hall, stressed that this would not necessarily happen.

He said: "It's our policy to review split infant-junior provision in the city.

"With the current head teacher at Rawcliffe Infants leaving, together with population trends, it's a good time to look at education provision in the area as a whole."

Other possibilities include keeping the two schools as they are or creating two primary schools on each site.

Mr Hall said: "As part of the review we will be looking at information about current and future demands for school spaces, so we can ensure that local schools can continue to provide good quality education for children in the area.

"We don't know whether any changes will be needed yet.

"If the review suggests that they are, the proposals will be put to the council's executive and there will be extensive consultation with governors, staff and parents before any decision is made."

If consultation does take place, it will begin at the start of the new school year in September.

Mr Long is to become head teacher at Haxby Road Primary School.

Updated: 10:48 Friday, May 16, 2003