SISTER schools in Northallerton have decided to repeat a scheme to transfer pupils from one school to the other earlier than usual.

Following last year's success, about 300 14-year-olds from Allertonshire School will move to Northallerton College in June, so they are settled in when they start the Autumn term.

The decision to extend and refine the Countdown scheme, aimed at giving students the best possible run-up to their GCSEs, was taken at a joint meeting of the schools' governors.

In deciding to repeat the scheme, the governors also approved a programme designed to help pupils settle in, boost their self-confidence, motivate them and improve their behaviour.

Brian Phillips, chairman of the Allertonshire School governors, said: "We have pledged to work together even more closely, for instance sharing ideas, sharing staff, and remodelling our timetables and lessons where necessary."