A MOTHER of twins has said she is fuming at a Worcester headteacher's decision to seperate her boys in class.

Fiona Draffan had hoped her two 10-year-old-boys, who currently attend Dines Green Primary School would be able to stay together when they moved up to secondary school in September.

But Mrs Draffan was shocked to be told that although Joe and Scott had spent their whole school life in the same class, they would be separated at Christopher Whitehead Language College.

The school has defended its policy saying it's in the best interests of the brothers, but Mrs Draffan disagrees.

"They want to stay together," she said.

"They are so close. Their primary school say they are great lads and work together really well. But I'm very upset with Christopher Whitehead and am very angry. In fact I am fuming."

Mrs Draffan, of Drake Avenue, Dines Green, was told the news by a teacher from Christopher Whitehead during a special evening held at the primary school for children about to leave.

She then made efforts to contact Christopher Whitehead and was eventually told by headteacher Neil Morris that it was the school's policy to split twins up.

"If a parent choses to keep her children together then it should be upheld," she said.

"I am their mother. I know what is best for my children.

"I'm not going to back down on this, and I don't think the headmaster is going to back down, either.

"He told me at Dines Green they are pupils, but when they start at Christopher Whitehead they are students and they grow up. I don't know what to make of it."

Mrs Draffan is now considering moving the boys to Bishop Perowne CofE College, but they would have to go on a waiting list and she fears time is running out.

Mr Morris said that the school had the best interests of the boys in mind when taking its decision and it was not trying to be awkward or upset the family.

"The boys have been put into the same house but they have been put in separate form groups because we think this is best for the boys," he said. "This is only for 20 minutes every morning.

"I have taken advice from our educational psychologists, other teachers, and used my own professional opinion and believe this is the right thing to do. We ask parents to put their trust in us, and trust that we do the right thing.

"I see my job as preparing the young people that come to this school to become good citizens when they leave and I believe keeping the boys in all of the same classes would not give them the opportunities to meet other students and interact," he said.

A spokesman from Worcestershire County Council said that it was a matter for the individual schools to decide on.