APATHETIC parents have been criticised for not coming forward to join a Worcester school's parent-teacher association.

David Thompson, deputy head of Christopher Whitehead High School, said the Friends of the School Association (FOS) sent letters to more than 1,100 parents in September.

He had hoped parents or teachers would step forward to take the roles of chairman, treasurer and secretary, but no one had replied to his call.

"It's disappointing no one came forward," said Mr Thompson.

"We think there's been a number of reasons - including apathy.

"Some parents don't feel the need to support their children's high school education as much as primary school.

"It tends to finish when they go to high school."

Mr Thompson said FOS had been a good vehicle for fund-raising since it formed in 1983 and had drummed up £7,000 towards the new school minibus during the past year.

He said FOS had been a pillar of support for the school and helped with many events, including the fete in May, trips and activities.

"Unfortunately there are a lot of demands on people's time these days, but it's disappointing for us," he added.

"We can't demand people support the school but we would be grateful if they did."

Allan Foulds, who has been headteacher at the St John's school for three years, said parents did not want to commit themselves.

"The problem at the moment is that we've got people who are willing to provide time, but we don't have someone who is prepared to take the reins to lead it," he said.

"It's a huge commitment and I'm grateful for the continued help we get.

"Maybe if we can look at dividing up the commitment we could achieve what we want."

Parents willing to step in should contact Mr Foulds or Mr Thompson at the school.