Two of the region's independent schools for boys have unveiled plans for a merger.

Ascham House and Newlands preparatory schools, in Newcastle, yesterday announced proposals to form one body.

Spread over three existing sites in the city's Gosforth area, it will offer single-sex education for boys from the age of three to 18. At present, both establishments only cater for pupils up to Year Eight.

Phil Garner, the present head teacher of Ascham, will be head of the new school.

He said: "Boys are emotionally and physiologically different to girls.

"In order to get the best from them, teaching needs to be specially geared to their skills and their needs."

Ascham House has 283 pupils and Newlands 154. The merger will see class sizes remain at a maximum of 20.

It is due to take effect from next September, subject to approval by the Charities Commission.

The school will consult with parents, staff and pupils before deciding on a new name and uniform.