A LEADING all-girls school will join forces with another school and gradually become co-educational to offer better educational and sporting opportunities to its pupils.

Queen Mary's School at Baldersby Park, Topcliffe will, from January 2003, work with Cundall Manor based at Helperby, to provide better facilities and teaching.

Peter Phillips, headteacher of Cundall Manor, will take on the role of head for both schools, following the retirement of the joint principals of Queen Mary's, Ian and Margaret Angus in December.

Mr Phillips, who has been head for three years, said: "I am delighted to be offered this position and am very much looking forward to developing further the potential of Cundall and Queen Mary's. Both schools are in strong positions and have excellent reputations which can be built upon.

"The high standards of education, the importance we place on each individual pupil, plus the convenient and beautiful locations of both schools means superb opportunities for children in this area."

Mr Hugh Morgan-Williams, a governor of Queen Mary's, who has children at both schools, said: "For some time we have recognised that combining the considerable strengths of both schools will enable us to offer superb educational opportunities to youngsters in this region.

"This is a most exciting time and we are looking forward to the future with great enthusiasm."

Former Queen Mary's pupil Lucy Raines, 22, said: "Being an ex-Queen Mary's girl I have emotional ties and it feels strange that such a good all-girls school will become co-educational.

"However, times change, things move on and I understand why they are taking these steps. I just hope that Queen Mary's doesn't lose its individuality because it was a special school."

Queen Mary's is a day and boarding school for girls aged seven to 16 years, with a co-educational pre prep school for three to seven year olds. Cundall is a co-educational prep school for children from two to 13 years.

From September 2004, boys and girls will be able to study up to GCSE level. Resources and expertise will be shared and improvements to the boarding facilities are planned.