CORBRIDGE Middle School opened its doors to the public and used the occasion to champion the three-tier education system.

A routine open day gave staff and pupils the opportunity to fly the flag for middle schools, as responses to a consultation which could see Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School merge into one secondary school, continue to be considered.

The potential implications of the Hadrian Learning Trust consultation, which closed in July, could signal widespread changes to the education system across Tynedale and would impact on all feeder schools in the Hexham Partnership.

As part of that partnership, and a 10-school bid to form a multi-academy trust – known as the Tynedale Community Learning Trust – Corbridge Middle School is in a unique position.

And, as the outcome of both proposals is awaited, headteacher Jane Kennedy invited parents, governors from feeder schools and directors from the Hadrian Learning Trust to see what Corbridge Middle has to offer.

Visitors witnessed IT workshops, practical science lessons, hands-on art classes and sport demonstrations.

“Our drop-ins have shown the value that continues to be placed on middle schools,” said Mrs Kennedy.

“We are passionate about our three-tier schools and believe what middle schools can offer is, in many ways, unique.”