Two St Catherine high schools - Hydel, a financially struggling private institution, and Cumberland - will be merged, the Government confirmed Monday.

Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon told journalists at a news conference on Monday that the ministry is still working through the process, but pointed to deteriorating infrastructure at the Hydel, and issues around its lease arrangement as factors contributing to the merger.

The stated-owned Urban Development Corporation (UDC) owns the property where Hydel is located. The school owes the UDC significant sums, well-placed sources say.