THE executive headteacher at Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School, Graeme Atkins, has pledged to carefully consider all responses to a consultation on switching to two-tier education.

The board of the Hadrian Learning Trust, the multi-academy trust formed by the two schools, announced plans in June which could see the creation of a single 11-18 secondary school.

It says the move will bring the schools in step with the national education system and would open the door to much-needed capital investment.

No change is anticipated to take place before September 2019, however a shift to two-tier would inevitably have huge implications for first and middle schools across the district.

A consultation on the proposal was launched with responses from members of the Hexham Partnership of Schools, parents, and other stakeholders lodged by the last day of the summer term on July 21.

Mr Atkins told the Courant this week: "The trust board would like to thank everyone who took the trouble to respond.

"They are in the process of carefully considering all responses, before deciding if and how to move forward.

"It would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this stage."