THE headteachers of Witton and Westacre Middle Schools have spoken out to say they plan to keep year seven, whatever the outcome of Droitwich Spa High School’s current consultation.

Cath Crossley, headteacher at Witton Middle School initially had some concerns about how parents would react to the idea of introducing year seven at Droitwich Spa High School, but after attending the public meeting last week, she is determined to work toward what the parents of her pupils want.

She said: “I think the high school is entitled to ask the questions of the public, but the public opinion has been very clear over the two middle schools in the area that parents are very happy with the way things are.

“If we had a groundswell of public opinion supporting this it would be different, but the parents haven’t started this and they haven’t supported this. I think there’s been enough anti feeling that I hope they’ll pull the plug on this very shortly.”

Donna Evans, headteacher at Westacre Middle School, added: "It’s about dialogue. That’s the purpose of the consultation process, but I think it’s been a rushed attempt. Our parents were very supportive of what’s going on in our school.”

Vocal crowds at all three of the public meetings expressed concerns over the proposals and the impact they might have on the rest of the schools in the Droitwich education pyramid, the schools which currently feed into the high school.

However Mrs Crossley has said that it is within her powers as headteacher to maintain a year seven at Witton Middle School whatever the outcome of the consultation, and she intends to do so.

She added: “What Mrs Waters said [last week] was that she wouldn’t split year seven. If the middle schools decided to keep year seven she wouldn’t split them.

“What I’m planning to do is keep year seven. Any other models are very much way in the future. Our parents have spoken and they’ve told me that’s exactly what they want to do, and it’s absolutely in my control.

“I feel that the key question is have we got any money? Even if we wanted to reform this system there’s no knight in shining armour that’s going to sort this out. There’s no money for change. The local authority have no money to do this.”

Mrs Evans added: “We’re very committed to keeping our year sevens, because we believe we do it well. Our concern is that there’s been a lack of communication. We all want what’s best for the children at the end of the day. We have worked well as a pyramid, but even if the proposal goes ahead we will be doing our very very best to keep our year sevens in our school.”

Both headteachers are still keen to work toward a solution with the high school despite the lack of communication from them so far on the issue, but they are hoping the proposals will be shortlived.

Mrs Evan said: “I would hope that as professionals at the end of the day we will find a way forward.”

Mrs Crossley added: “I’m employed to support parents and support children. Hopefully we can get back to the core business of doing that very shortly. I would love that to be the case.”

To take part in the public consultation write to Natalie Waters, headteacher at Droitwich Spa High School, or email agerangeconsultation@droitwichspahigh.worcs.sch.uk.