HEADTEACHERS across Hexham have pinned their colours to the mast as the consultation on transforming Queen Elizabeth High School into a secondary draws to a close.

With the closure of Hexham Middle School included in the proposal, if the move is given the go-ahead, it’s expected to instigate the introduction of a two-tier education system across the catchment area.

But, with 12 first schools and two other middle schools included in the Hexham Partnership, everyone has their own opinion on the best way forward.

Rev. Andrew Patterson, chairman of governors at Whitley Chapel CofE First School, questioned whether the proposal would be in the best interests of first school-age children.

“We have a good school at Whitley Chapel, and we are part of a good partnership and system which I think works very well,” he said.

“But any argument that the middle school system is not working, has not been made clear to us.

“We have to look at what is best for the children, and we do not believe that this proposal would work well for the schools in this area.”

Mr Patterson said all first schools must be prepared to upgrade to primary status if required, but expressed concerns over children facing a big jump from primary to secondary school, without a middle tier.

As well as Whitley Chapel, four other schools within the Hexham Partnership are supported by the Newcastle Diocesan Education Board: Corbridge CofE First School; Broomhaugh CofE First School; Humshaugh CofE First School and Chollerton CofE First School.

Diocesan director of education, Paul Rickeard, said he was encouraging schools to engage with the consultation, but that the priority was to ensure the best educational outcomes for children.

Hazel Davey, headteacher at Chollerton said: “As a school we support the three-tier system. We feel it is the best fit for our children coming from a rural community.

“They receive a very good standard of education here and a very good standard of education at the middle schools.”

In a joint statement, Sele First School’s chairman of governors, Angela Beattie and deputy headteacher, Brooke Phillips said the governing body had been investigating and discussing the implications on the school.

Fiona Conley, executive headteacher at the recently federated St Joseph’s RC Middle School and St Mary’s RC First School, said she had been liaising closely with school governors as well as Joe Hughes, director for Catholic education for the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese, to ensure “a well thought out and considered response”.

“Obviously, the proposed change will have a significant impact for all Hexham Partnership schools. However, I can assure you that St Joseph’s RC Middle School intends to remain as a middle school and this is fully supported by the diocese,” she added.

Debbie Brett, headteacher at Slaley First School, said: “Our priority is for Slaley First School to strengthen its links within our community. We hope that whatever happens is good for the Hexham Partnership, which is a very effective partnership of schools.”

Although part of the Hexham Partnership, Corbridge Middle School, is also embarking on consultations with nine other schools in East Tynedale to form a three-tier multi-academy trust known as the Tynedale Community Learning Partnership.

“Queen Elizabeth High School is the catchment school for our pupils and the school of choice for nearly all of our parents,” explained headteacher, Jane Kennedy.

“We feel strongly that, as a partnership, we should be committed to clear progression routes through our catchment schools for all of our pupils. Corbridge Middle School has continued to emphasise to all other schools in the partnership and all parents that we are committed to working together as a partnership to secure the best possible outcomes for all the pupils.

“We urge Hadrian Learning Trust to reconsider this proposal which will have devastating effect on local schools and communities.

“It is clear that a way forward needs to be brokered amongst all parties.

“We must not put the interests of schools ahead of the interests of the children in them.”

Responses to the consultation can be made online at www.qehs.net until 4pm on Friday, July 21.