A NORTH Harrow first school will be stripped of its “oustanding” Ofsted rating if plans to amalgamate go ahead.

Longfield First and Middle Schools, in Dukes Avenue, are likely to combine forming one single primary school with no reduction in the number of pupils or staff.

The plans were triggered automatically under Harrow Council policy when the headteacher of the first school resigned and the decision can only be stopped if there are compelling reasons not to join.

But combining the two schools will mean the first school will no longer have the highest possible rating given out by education watchdog Ofsted.

Maria Dingle, chair of governors at Longfield First School, conceded in a letter to the council that there are no grounds to prevent the amalgamation.

But she also said: “The governors and staff of Longfield First School would like it to be noted that as a result of amalgamation there will be a resultant loss of the current outstanding Ofsted status that the school has.

“As this took a great deal of hard work and commitment to achieve, there is disappointment and frustration at the consequent loss of this status.”

A consultation involving parents and staff returned no clear verdict on the scheme, with 77 people in favour, 77 opposed and 31 whose minds were not made up.

Dipak Umeria, chair of governors of Longfield Middle School, said: “The governors felt this was a unique opportunity in the life of the schools to reorganise and restructure the schools for the benefit of the children.

“The school decided against amalgamation three years ago, but the time is now right to amalgamate.”

The council's cabinet will vote on the proposals tonight but they are expected to be approved.