PEOPLE are now being asked for their views on major changes that would see the scrapping of middle schools in Pershore.

The proposals to change age ranges at a number of schools in the Pershore area, with a view to moving from a three-tier to two-tier system, have gone out to consultation after being examined by Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet.

The council says schools in the town have asked for age ranges to be reviewed and changed to be coordinated for there to be a clear and consistent path for children.

The consultation runs from October 11 to November 26 and will be an opportunity to share views about what is important about age ranges of schools and transitions.

The education provision in Pershore mostly follows a three-tier journey, where pupils attend first schools from age four to nine, transfer to middle schools at age nine to 12-years-old and then transfer to high school at 12 to complete their education.

Changes to schools in the Pershore education planning area over several years has led to uncertainty and sustainability concerns across the education planning area as there now exists a mixture of two-tier and three-tier with some schools in this area already converted to primary and secondary schools.

Those schools that have already completed the transition will make no further changes.

Worcestershire Children First are also hosting consultation sessions providing an opportunity for the public to ask questions and find out further information.

This will take place on November 1, between 5.30pm and 8pm at Pershore Civic Centre in Queen Elizabeth Drive.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for education at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We really want to hear the views of parents, carers, pupils, school staff and residents on the proposed changes.

“The county council and Worcestershire Children First have been liaising with Pershore schools and academy trusts for some time now about the current school system in Pershore and their desire for a coordinated approach to change of age ranges that is clear and consistent for children and families.

“The responses we receive will allow proposers and decision makers at the very earliest stage to ensure the needs of current residents as well as communities for generations to come will be met.”

The council says, following the direct approach from Pershore schools in Autumn 2020, there has been a technical analysis to evaluate the risks and issues relating to the current organisation of the schools in the planning area.

The results of the consultation will be discussed at February’s Cabinet meeting before a final decision is made for the local authority maintained schools.

The Regional Schools Commissioner and some governing bodies will also need to make final decisions in February in relation to other schools.

To have your say on the proposals visit worcestershire.gov.uk/pershorereview.

To book a place at the consultation session complete a booking form by 3.30pm on November 1.

Anyone unable to attend but who wants to ask a question can do by sending it to PershoreReview@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk.