Two new schools could be created next summer if planned mergers get the go-ahead.

Brighton and Hove Council is considering merging Coldean Infant and Junior Schools, which are on the same site in Selham Drive, Brighton.

Councillors are also looking at a merger of Knoll Infant School in Stapley Road, Hove, and Goldstone Junior School in Laburnhum Avenue, Hove.

If the Knoll and Goldstone schools move goes through, the new premises will be in an enlarged building on the Goldstone site and the Knoll buildings will become surplus to requirements.

The mergers would create two new all-through primary schools which would take children from nursery schooling to the age 11.

This follows mergers already agreed at the Carden, Whitehawk and Moulsecoomb infant and junior schools.

A joint meeting of governors at the two schools agreed there should be a feasibility study into the merger, although there were concerns expressed about access problems to the Goldstone site.

Clive Thomas, Goldstone head teacher, said: "The advantages of merger outweigh the disadvantages and the temporary inconvenience of building work."

Barbara Eagles, head teacher of Knoll Infant School, said: "There are pros and cons with the move but the governors have agreed to the merger in principle."

The Coldean Junior governors accepted the merger with conditions, including the protection of teaching jobs.

If councillors agree, consultation will start next month with the results presented in December or January. If approved, the schools will open next September.