Residents of Pershore do not have long to share their views on proposed changes to the school system.

The consultation, which began on Monday, September 2, is set to close at noon on Sunday, September 29.

It is focused on proposals to alter age ranges, merge schools, and increase pupil numbers at schools in and around the town.

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The changes are aimed at creating a "clear and consistent education pathway" and a "co-ordinated age range" for children in the education planning area.

Schools that have already switched to a two-tier system will not undergo any further changes.

The results of the consultation will be reviewed by various bodies, including the cabinet member with responsibility for education, the Department for Education's Regions Group, and the governing bodies of certain schools, before final decisions are made in November.

Councillor David Chambers, cabinet member for education at Worcestershire County Council, said: "We have been actively collaborating with Pershore schools and academy trusts to develop a unified and transparent approach to changing age ranges in the school system.

"Parents, carers, pupils, school staff, and residents are encouraged to have their say on these proposed changes and help shape decisions that prioritise the education needs for current and future generations in the Pershore area."

The local authority has been working with schools and the Department for Education since autumn 2020 to evaluate the risks and issues with the current school organisation.

They have also been working to secure additional funding to expand Pershore High School to accommodate more pupils who would transfer in year seven, rather than year eight.

Traditionally, Pershore's education provision has followed a three-tier system, with pupils attending first schools from ages four to nine, middle schools from ages nine to 12, and high school from age 12.

However, some schools in the area have already transitioned to a two-tier system, where pupils attend primary school from ages four to 11 and then transfer to secondary school at age 11.

For more information and to share your views on the proposals, visit the council website.