TWO into one will go - that was the lesson in Lytham St Annes this week with the merger of two of the Fylde's top independent schools.

History was made as the former King Edward VII Boys' School and neighbouring Queen Mary School for Girls joined forces.

To be known as the King Edward VII and Queen Mary School, the combined senior school now has 850 pupils. Four classes of boys and girls started their secondary schooling together on Tuesday (September 7), while nearly 100 lower sixth form pupils began their A-level courses in mixed classes.

Brought about as a result of Labour's phasing out of the assisted places scheme, the merger was declared a natural progression by new principal Julian Wilde, head of the boys' school since 1993.

"In 1994 we opened a purpose-built mixed infants school on the site," he said, "and this has been a great success. The following year the two separate junior schools merged and this has gone from strength to strength.

"I think this is an excellent move by the governors to ensure the traditions of academic excellence and all-round education at both the senior schools are maintained into the new century."

Extensive building work went on during the summer to create a new sixth form common room and library, together with upgraded changing rooms and toilets.

Chairman of governors John Bennett said he was looking forward to the future with confidence. "With the phasing out of the assisted places scheme by the Labour government there was the possibility that in six years' time we could have two viable but rather small secondary schools.

"There are practical and economic benefits from the senior schools merging. This year seven new A-level courses will be available for the first time to both boys and girls.

"The sharing of facilities such as sports halls, our language laboratory and the computer suites will be of great benefit to boys and girls of all ages."

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