EDUCATION officials and ambitious councillors of all parties aim to being about a two-tier system of education, with entry into secondary education at 11 years, throughout the County of Worcestershire.
Redditch parents voted overwhelmingly to retain their successful three-tier system of 4-9 years First Schools, 9-13 years Middle Schools and 13-18+ High Schools High Schools and are now understandably, concerned about the Local Learning and Skills Council taking over the funding of sixth forms week ending April 1, 2002.
The "Hagley Review" should be put on hold, until a review of the districts of Bromsgrove and also of Wyre Forest has been carried out. The effects of going "two-tier" may include:
1. Within 10-15 years, 38 middle school heads being made redundant, with other dedicated, experienced and well-qualified staff leaving.
2. The inevitable closure of small schools in both rural and urban villages.
3. A Private Finance Initiative Debt Burden of some £120m, with all such long-term revenue and other consequences. May I counsel caution!
COUNTY COUNCILLOR C T WAREING,
Redditch.
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