INFANT and junior schools are now almost non-existent under Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Following the creation of Saughall All Saints Primary School, which opened its doors for the first time last week, just two such schools remain with their original identity intact.

Victoria Infants and St Thomas of Canterbury Blue Coat Juniors, both in Chester, are the last members of the two-tiered primary education system.

But located on the same site, on the edge of the city centre, it is understood that they too are being considered for amalgamation.

Cheshire West and Chester Council spokeswoman Shirley Wingfield said: “As the only remaining infant and junior schools in Cheshire West and Chester, the prospect of amalgamation has been around for some time.

“Discussions are continuing with both schools and their respective head teachers and board of governors regarding the future of St Thomas of Canterbury and Victoria Infants.”

Victoria Infants headteacher Tricia McGuirk said the uncertainty over an amalgamation was ‘awkward’.

She said: “We were due to amalgamate in September 2009 but now we have no definite date.

“It is slightly awkward in terms of long-term planning but day-to-day it doesn’t really affect things. We have got a good liaison with the junior school.

“Both are successful schools and there are infant and junior schools all over the country.”

St Thomas of Canterbury Blue Coat headteacher Ian Newton said he did not want to comment on amalgamation although a staff member said: “We are just as in the dark about it as everyone else”.