Education chiefs have issued a notice of proposed co-location of St Thomas’ and Vallajeelt schools.

Under the plan St Thomas’ Church of England School will relocate in 2018-19, sharing Scoill Vallajeelt’s premises.

Details of how this work are outlined in the notice of proposed of co-location issued by the Department of Education and Children.

Both schools will operate individually while retaining their own curriculum, head teachers and ethos.

The department’s decision is based on the lack of suitable facilities for the children at St Thomas’ primary school, which opened in 1870, and comes after a parent’s meeting which discussed the possible change.

The main play area of the faith school is located on top of a store with no large green spaces available during playtime.

Instead, St Thomas’ school has been using facilities at the National Sports Centre to improve the quality of the children’s physical education.

Redevelopment of the school would be difficult and expensive as a lack of space in the area prevents expansion of the property.

If the proposal is accepted, St Thomas’ school would receive four classrooms, a reception room, boys and girl’s toilets, a head teacher’s office, and a separate entrance on Vallajeelt’s premises.

The facilities would cater for 100 children, who will also be allowed to make use of the shared main hall, dining area, sports hall and access to the playgrounds.

Scoill Vallajeelt, on Meadow Crescent, Douglas, would undergo changes to accommodate its new neighbouring school once planning permission has been granted.

Vallajeelt has the capacity to accommodate 350 children and currently has fewer than 200 pupils registered, meaning it can easily provide room for the 72 children at St Thomas’.

St Thomas’ school day would begin at 8.45am, opposed to Vallajeelt’s 9am start, and will provide transport to existing students for the next academic year.

The Manx Independent asked the department for information regarding the costs of the transfer and when it will be applying for planning permission.

However, no response had been received as we went to press.

Island residents who want to submit their response on the proposed plan should write to: The Department of Education and Children, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas. The deadline is February 13.