Two girls’ schools are set to merge under ambitious plans that would not affect their individual identities, said those close to the proposals.

Nonsuch High School for Girls and Wallington High School for Girls have issued a statement this week announcing their intentions to form a “multi-academy trust”, with staff and parents now entering a five-week consultation period.

It comes a little over a month after the mysterious sacking of Nonsuch headteacher Peter Gale for “unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” as well as “serious breaches” in applying safeguards.

Despite repeated requests, the school declined to elaborate on that situation.

The two schools have said their governing bodies have been “evaluating the possibilities and potential advantages” of merging for some time and that they see themselves as having “very similar visions, profiles and strengths”, as well as having many “synergies” between them.

As such the schools consider it to be in their best interests of their students to collaborate with each other.

Tony Hyams-Parish, chairman of governors at Nonsuch, said: “We believe this is an exciting proposal that offers all kinds of possibilities and benefits for students and staff at both schools.

“In addition, as school budgets are continuing to be cut in real terms, this arrangement will allow both schools to benefit from the economies of scale that a single school cannot achieve on its own.”

If it goes ahead the joint partnership will have an equal number of members from each school on the new board of trustees with Jane Burton, current headteacher at Wallington and previously a deputy head teacher at Nonsuch, taking on the role of executive head.

Each school will still have its own headteacher, responsible for day-to-day running of their school. To further retain their individual identities they will also keep their own leadership teams and local governing bodies.

Tracey Graham, Wallington’s chairman of governors, said: “Both governing bodies consider that our schools’ strengths and synergies can be further enhanced.

“This should allow both schools to further develop and improve, and to continue to provide strong outcomes for all of our students, from year 7 right up to the sixth-form.”

The consultation period closes at noon on June 29. The consultation document and FAQs are available on both schools’ websites.

Councillor Mary Burstow, ward member for Cheam at Sutton Council, said: “I want to make sure local children get the best education.

“If the merger improves the financial stability of both schools, I am in favour of it.”