Plans for a major reform of Oxford's school system were given an overwhelming thumbs down at a public meeting.

Martin Thomas, head of Temple Cowley Middle School, accused education bosses of Oxfordshire County Council of acting like "lemmings" in following the rest of the country in abolishing middle schools.

The remarks came at the first public consultation meeting on plans to replace the current three-tier system of first, middle and upper schools with a two-tier system of primary and secondary schools.

More than 250 parents, teachers and governors packed into Oxford Town Hall last night to give their views. Those who spoke against the proposed changes were greeted with rapturous applause.

Under the plans, up to five schools would be abolished to finance the plans and bring the city in line with the rest of the country. Ninety-five per cent of the country now has a two-tier system. The schools that would definitely disappear are: Donnington Middle School, Temple Cowley Middle School and Milham Ford Girl's Upper School. In addition a question mark would hang over the future of Headington Quarry First School and St Augustine of Canterbury. Mr Thomas, speaking against the proposals, said that asking people to accept the two tier system was like asking people to accept an old car.

The two-tier system was 120-years-old and it was the middle school system that had been brought in to improve the education system, he said.

He added that middle schools were the only place where improvements were made in children's education.

Speaking in favour of the changes, the chief education officer of Oxfordshire County Council, Mr Graham Badman, said that reform was both inevitable and necessary.

He said: "There is evidence to suggest that performance in the city is not what it should be. Why is it that children who start on a level playing field end up so differently. We have a system that militates against the performance of our young people."

He reassured the audience that every possible effort would be made, if the changes were adopted, that the transition would be as smooth and painless as possible. He said: "No change is comfortable but I believe it will be better for the vast majority of our children.

"Something has to happen to improve the quality of education for youngsters in this city."

Oxfordshire County Council has set a deadline of December 24 for all comments on the plans to be submitted.

A second public meeting will be held at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre next Monday

The education committee will vote on the plans on February 2.

Story date: Wednesday 24 November

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