COUNCILLORS have approved plans to merge two Wirral high schools in a bid to combat falling numbers and financial problems.

They studied recommendations for closing Pensby Boys' High School from August 31 and altering the gender intake of Pensby Girls' High School from September 1 during a meeting at Wallasey town hall.

The amalgamation plan was triggered by dramatically falling rolls since the millennium.

From a peak in 1999 when 836 boys and 844 girls attended Pensby's twin high schools, rolls fell to 380 boys and 510 girls in January this year.

Since May 2010, the two secondary schools have established a federation enabling them to work together more closely under a single governing body led by a single head teacher.

Intake for September has already taken place and while higher than in the last two years, individual intake for the separate schools remains low.

A report to Monday’s meeting of Wirral cabinet said there has been “no indication that the proposed amalgamation has deterred parents from accepting places at the schools”.

Extensive consultations were carried out over amalgamation moves which would involve closure of Pensby Boys' High School and a gender intake change at the girls' high school to form a mixed sex secondary.

The consultation exercise prompted responses from 47 people, of whom 40 were in favour of amalgamation.

A statutory notice period followed, with no further responses submitted to the council.

Councillor Tony Smith, cabinet member for children and family services, said: “This reinforces the high level of support for the proposals during the consultation.”

In a report to Monday’s meeting Sally Gibbs, principal office, admissions and school place planning, said: "No one closes schools lightly. Officers are required to offer clear advice as to appropriate action in order to spend public money wisely and ensure all Wirral’s children benefit equitably from the funding available.

“The recommendations will ensure best value for the future generations of children in this area of Wirral, and more equitable spending for the benefit of all Wirral’s pupils, from the savings made.”

She added: “Should the two schools remain separate within the Federation, both will be subject to a budget in line with the number of pupils on roll. This is likely to have an impact on teaching and standards, and may result in the closure of one or both schools.”

A few parents had expressed concern that teaching boys and girls together would be disruptive - specifically to girls' education because of the prospect of "poor behaviour" by boys.

Ms Gibbs previously said: "The majority of pupils in Wirral attend a mixed sex school and Wirral teaching staff are used to managing pupil behaviour, including encouraging positive behaviour and dealing with incidents in a appropriate manner."

Class sizes were another issue raised by parents with some concerned over the impact of bigger classes following amalgamation.

Some classes presently have as few as 12 pupils.

The federation was set up on 2010 to assist with financial issues by allowing staff to be employed across the two federated schools under a single structure.

The high schools federation has set a balanced budget for 2014/15 but this has only been possible by the use of reserves totalling £350,000.

An Ofsted inspection of the girl's high school in October 2013 found it to be a good school overall.

However Ofsted finding the following October found the boys' high school needed improvement.

Cabinet unanimously approved the amalgamation.

Pensby High School for Boys will close on August 31, 2015, with an alteration to the gender intake of Pensby High School for Girls made from September 1.