Education Minister Daryll Matthew has defended the government’s decision to merge Glanvilles Secondary School with Pares Secondary School, describing the move as a necessary, evidence-based solution to ensure sustainable and equitable access to quality education.

Speaking on the _Browne and Browne_ radio programme, Minister Matthew addressed public concerns and misinformation surrounding the consolidation, which has been approved by Cabinet and will take effect at the start of the new academic year in September.

According to education officials, Glanvilles currently has 163 students and Pares has 178, with enrolment steadily declining over the past decade. Dr Greene, Deputy Director of Education, noted that in some years, fewer than 30 students have entered first form.