The abolition of Oxford's ten middle schools is crucial if pupils are to get the education they deserve.

That is the message from the heads of 11 city schools who have launched a campaign backing plans to axe middle schools and replace them with a two-tier system of primary and secondary schools.

They have started a counter-attack against supporters trying to retain middle schools. A letter is being sent to members and officers of Oxfordshire County Council, who are currently consulting the public on plans to replace the current three-tier system of upper, middle and first schools in the city. Four schools could be sold and others merged under the proposals to bring Oxford in line with the two-tier system in the rest of the county.

The letter says that the current system, with pupils changing schools at nine and 13, cuts across National Curriculum tests taken by seven and 11 year-olds and slows pupils' progress. It has been signed by the heads of five of the city's six upper schools, and six first and special school heads.

Spokesman Martin Roberts, head of The Cherwell School in Marston Ferry Road, north Oxford, said: "Parents may get anxious but there is no need.

"There is real anxiety about performance in the city and results will improve if we go two-tier."

He added: "I think Cherwell could become one of the best secondary schools in England."

Story date: Friday 15 October

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