Plans are being made to merge two schools in the city amid falling pupil numbers.

Under the proposals, Hertford Infants in Hertford Road, Brighton would move to Hertford Juniors in Lynchett Close.

The merger idea comes after the governors at the infant’s school asked the council to reduce its PAN (published admission numbers) - the number of pupils the school can admit into reception from 60 to 30. 

Last September just 26 pupils were enrolled into reception and so far only 22 pupils have been allocated places this September. 

Falling pupil numbers are being reflected across the city with the council estimating 593 places will be unfilled across Brighton and Hove and 692 by September 2026. 

Councillors will discuss the possibility of being brought together on one site at a meeting of the children, families and schools committee on Monday, June 12.

If they approve the plan in principle, a public consultation will be launched.

The consultation is expected to start on Monday, June 19 and finish on Monday, July 31. 

If the merger goes ahead, the schools’ age range would be extended, meaning pupils from ages four to 11 would be at the story. 

Jacob Taylor, who co-chairs the council’s children, families and schools committee, said: “With our school application numbers falling so heavily across the city we need to look ahead and ensure our schools are viable for the long term. 

“The schools and governors of Hertford Infants and Hertford Juniors have taken a very sensible approach and have requested this merger which we are supporting. 

“We must stress this is not a school closure but two schools coming together for the long-term benefit of the pupils, parents and carers, and the schools themselves.” 

The junior school would need some alterations to make it suitable for younger pupils, but already has extensive grounds including forested areas, ponds, a full-sized football pitch, a large trail area and several surfaced playground areas. 

The council does not have any set plans for the infant school if the plans go ahead and would need permission from the Secretary of State for Education to dispose of the school, which could take two years.