A CHADDESLEY Corbett school is set to merge with Bromsgrove School in a bid to preserve its future.

Winterfold House School, off Winterfold Lane, is to merge with the Bromsgrove School by the beginning of September 2016.

The Roman Catholic independent day school currently caters for around 400 pupils up to the age of 13. Despite the merger, Winterfold will continue to run as a separate school under the umbrella of Bromsgrove, with no changes to its name, staff, uniform or identity as a Roman Catholic independent prep school.

Morag Chapman, Winterfold chair of governors, said: “We have benefitted from a long and close association with Bromsgrove School over the years.

“Many Winterfold pupils regularly choose Bromsgrove as their senior school, while several members of Bromsgrove’s senior team previously worked here.

“Having recently developed a more strategic relationship with them, we now see this merger as a logical next step, and the best way to preserve Winterfold’s distinctive brand of education long into the future.”

Peter Clague, headteacher of Bromsgrove School, said: “We have long admired – and greatly value – Winterfold’s strengths and distinctiveness, and are delighted this tie-up will help preserve the unique educational experience the school offers.”

Winterfold's headteacher, Bill Ibberstone-Price, will also retire at the end of the summer term after 17 years at the school.

Mr Ibberstone-Price's deputy, Denise Toms, will take over the role as acting headteacher until a permanent appointment is made.

Mrs Chapman added: "Bill has led Winterfold superbly for 17 years.

"The school underwent a ISI inspection recently and we are confident in anticipating a report that reflects Bill's superb leadership."