The historic and respected independent charitable status school, founded in 1896, has merged with the United Church Schools Trust (UCST), an educational charity also founded in the 19th century, which now operates a number of prestigious schools across the country.

The merger will open up new opportunities for Arnold School, including the injection of significant investment as it enhances its position as one of the leading schools in the North West.

Arnold School, as a charitable limited company, held a special general meeting to approve the merger, and Napthens was instrumental in advising the school, dealing with relevant aspects of charity law, and assisting the School in liaising with the Charity Commission.

David Sewell, partner in Napthens’ corporate department, and a member of the Charity Law Association, said: “Charity law is a specialist field, and one in which Napthens has a wealth of experience.

“Arnold School approached us for advice on the plans, including the finer details of the special general meeting which recorded an overwhelming vote in favour of proceeding with the merger.

“It is great to see a leading light in the Lancashire educational sector doing so well, and this merger will open up a host of new opportunities for the School, and establish it as a key school in the North West.”

Arnold School was founded by Frank Truswell Pennington on May 4 1896, as the South Shore Collegiate School, moving to its present site in Lytham Road when the facility was expanded into an earlier Victorian establishment, Arnold House School, after which the current school is named.

The UCST, which runs schools including Lincoln Minster School and Guildford High School, is planning to invest £3m into Arnold School over the next three years.

Pat McCarthy, bursar at Arnold School, said: “We are delighted to be part of UCST, and would like to thank the team at Napthens for its hard work and commitment to this project.”