TWO long-established school near Chester will amalgamate later this year. In September this year, St Mary’s Community Nursery School will amalgamate with Overleigh St Mary’s CofE Primary School, with which it shares a site in Handbridge. Councillor Bob Cernik, cabinet member for children and families, said: “The amalgamation means that a greater proportion of resources can be used for the direct benefit of children rather than the expense of maintaining two separate schools. “St Mary’s had a particularly strong reputation for its ability to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and we are confident that this commitment will not be lost through the amalgamation with Overleigh.”