PARENTS have cautiously welcomed plans for a new state-of-the-art "super school" in west York.

Lowfields School head teacher John Thompson and Oaklands School head teacher David Ellis hosted an information event for those whose children currently attend the schools or who may do in the future.

A DVD presentation detailing the current problems faced by the schools and what could be in store if the merger goes ahead was shown during the event at Lowfields.

City of York Council proposes to create an £8 million replacement for the schools by refurbishing the existing Oaklands building.

Several parents were reassured after watching the DVD and talking through their concerns with council officers. Some have previously expressed worries that children who currently attend the school would be disrupted and that the intense rivalry between pupils at Lowfields and Oakfields would be inflamed by the merger.

Simon Pannet, of Dringhouses, whose 12-year-old daughter Charlotte attends Oaklands, said the presentation had won him over.

"I didn't realise how old the schools were before tonight," he said.

"We were against the merger at first because our daughter has only just started at Oaklands. Tonight has changed my mind."

Anthea Dykes, of Foxwood, whose 13-year-old daughter Alex attends Oaklands, said the merger was essential for the people of Acomb.

"The whole community will use the school, she said.

"We need to come together and be part of the same school. I'm very excited about it."

Lynne Dunning, of Moor Lane, York, whose son wants to attend Oaklands in September, said she was concerned his lessons would be disrupted by building work.

"The teachers are fine but I'm just worried about the work going on around them," she said.

Deborah Lowe, of Nether Poppleton, whose daughter attends Carr Junior School, said: "I came to sound it out. I think the idea is good. The transitional period might be a bit awkward."

Mr Thompson said: "We need to make sure that during the change period pupils are not disadvantaged in any way."

Education chief Coun Carol Runciman said: "The message I got from parents was really positive."

The decision about the merger will be made on April 24. If approved the first batch of Year 7 pupils will be admitted from September 2007.

Updated: 09:52 Wednesday, March 29, 2006