PONTELAND will begin the transition to a two-tier school system next year, in spite of strong parental objection.

On Tuesday the cabinet of Northumberland County Council voted unanimously to adopt recommendations, which will see seven local schools convert to the primary and secondary model.

Having been granted an academy order, Ponteland Middle School is outside of the county council’s control and has not been included in the reshuffle.

However, a last-minute recommendation was added that deputy chief executive Daljit Lally should enter into further discussions with Ponteland Middle School about ensuring continuity for its pupils.

The move to two-tier will bring £57m of investment in local school and leisure facilities.

The change the two-tier is conditional upon gaining planning permission by August 2017 for improvement works to the schools and the construction of new buildings for Ponteland First School and Ponteland High School.

The decision has also opened the local authority to legal action. Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Mrs Lally outlined contents of a letter from law firm Sintons stating they were instructed to pursue a judicial review should the move be approved.

Headteachers from a number of the affected schools spoke at the meeting, citing a number of educational benefits behind the move to two-tier.