THE merger of two York schools is to see a new name given to the site where hundreds of pupils will move to next year.

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs RC Primary School has been chosen as the title of the educational home for more than 400 children as their two schools join together in a £5.6 million scheme.

The existing English Martyrs’ RC Primary School building in Hamilton Drive, Holgate, is to be demolished to make way for a modern replacement, which will house its existing pupils and those from Our Lady’s RC Primary School in Acomb.

The name was confirmed by the temporary governing body which covers both schools after being offered by the Bishop of Middlesbrough, Terence Drainey, with English Martyrs’ head teacher Derek Sutherland saying it will ensure the names of both schools live on.

He said: “It’s really important that the name reflects the two school communities and the parishes of Our Lady’s and English Martyrs’.

“We are bringing together two schools and parishes with a rich history and many parents and parishioners have said they would like this to be reflected in the school’s name, so we’re delighted that has happened.

“Parents have been sent a letter informing them of the new name, and as it has now been chosen, the temporary governing body will now be making decisions regarding issues such as the new school uniform and the school’s logo.”

Two other possible names were also suggested for the new school, with the governing body taking a vote.

A turf-cutting ceremony to mark the start of work on the English Martyrs’ site will be held at 11am on Thursday, December 9, with the Bishop of Middlesbrough attending, and the aim is for the new school to be ready for pupils and staff to move into next December.

It will house 420 primary-aged pupils and a 52-place nursery, with the new school including an underground chamber to reduce the risk of flooding, as well as a sensory garden and a landscaped area for outdoor lessons.