TWO of Craven’s independent schools are to join forces.

Governors of Malsis School, near Glusburn, and Giggleswick School, near Settle, have announced their intention to merge in November.

As result, Malsis is expected to become an independent day school for children aged three to 11 from the summer of 2015. The move is subject to legal and financial checks.

Recently-approved plans for 50 new homes on the Malsis site will still go ahead.

Councillors were told the scheme would safeguard the school’s future, with the money made from the sale of the land being used to make urgent repairs to the listed buildings and to upgrade sports facilities.

Robert Austin, governor and chairman of the finance committee at Malsis School, said: “The decline in pupil numbers in recent years has put at risk the financial sustainability of Malsis School.

“The proposed merger with Giggleswick is the best option to secure education on the Malsis site, the name, jobs and services provided to the local community. The new school year will start, as planned, on September 3.”

Giggleswick School headmaster, Mark Turnbull, said: “The school needs significant investment: capital receipts from the planned residential developments at Malsis are absolutely essential to meet the school’s debts and to repair the fabric of the building, setting Malsis on the path to growth.”

Malsis governors have appointed Mark Brotherton as interim headmaster. He will be seconded from his current job as headmaster of Giggleswick Junior School. He is the chairman of the Independent Association of Prep Schools.

On completion of the merger, Mr Brotherton will spearhead the transition of Malsis School for the next 12 months. The previous head, Marcus Peel, has resigned.