DISCUSSIONS about changing a town's three-tier school system are back on the table as one councillor says it is currently "not fit for purpose".

The claims have come after Worcestershire County Council started another consultation three years after the first which could see middle schools in the area scrapped. 

The consultation will explore proposals to change age ranges, combine schools and increase pupil numbers at schools in and around Pershore. 

Dan Boatright-Greene, Worcestershire County Council councillor for Pershore, said: "It's one of those things. 

"I think this is the third consultation since 2021 and the current system is not fit for purpose, it's a mess. 

"I'm a fan of middle schools but we are not training the teachers and if we're not training the staff I don't see how we can keep them. 

"It's sad to see it happen but I can't remember the last time I saw middle school teacher training.

"Unless there's a sudden change of heart at County Hall, I think it's more than likely Pershore will lose its middle schools. 

"I'd love to say that the consultation will present alternatives, but I don't see how that will happen at this late stage. 

"I'm very frustrated by the process, I think the council definitely jumped the gun in 2021."

The plans would see middle schools scrapped in a move from the historical three-tier system (first, middle, high) to just two tiers (primary and secondary). 

Schools would be merged and Pershore High School would be expanded. 

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 changes would affect Abbey Park First and Middle schools, Fladbury CE First School, Crowle CE First School, Pinvin CE Academy, St. Barnabas CE First and Middle School, Pershore High School, Defford-cum-Besford CE School and Upton Snodsbury CE First School. 

Following a direct approach from schools in the Pershore area in Autumn 2020, the local authority has worked closely with schools and the Department for Education (DfE) to evaluate the risks and issues relating to the current organisation of the schools in the education planning area.

Together, the Council and DfE have also worked towards sourcing additional funding to support the expansion of Pershore High School to accommodate additional pupils who would transfer in Year 7 rather than Year 8. 

In the three-tier system, pupils attend first schools from age four to nine, transfer to middle schools at age nine to 12 and then transfer to high school at age 12 to complete their education. 

Some schools in the Pershore area have already completed the transition from three-tier to two-tier.  

The consultation is running from September 2 to September 29 with a final decision expected to be reached in November.

To have your say on the latest proposals, click here.