PARENTS are unaware that a middle school could soon be facing closure says a former school leader.

Zoe Nosworthy believes parents do not realise that, if first schools become academies and change the ages of those they teach, it could destabilise the current three-tier system in Evesham.

She spoke out saying nobody was talking about potential changes affecting the Blackminster Middle School cluster.

Mrs Nosworthy says Blackminster is facing an uncertain future after Honeybourne, which is an academy, opted to add a year 6 from this September.

She fears other feeder first schools may follow suit, leaving Blackminster unable to survive with fewer pupils.

That could lead to a shortage of places and a move to a two-tier system - effectively by the back door.

Five of Blackminster's six other feeder first schools, Badsey, Bretforton, The Littletons, Offenham and Cleeve Prior are working towards academy status.

The five have previously indicated they would be willing to consider the age change, which an academy is allowed to introduce.

Mrs Nosworthy said: "Blackminster is a good school.

"I don't see why a good county school is under threat.

"Why is somebody who is head of a small school potentially making decisions that will close another school down and mess up the system?

"If they want to do it it should be done properly and discussed in the public domain.

"It shouldn't be going on behind closed doors.

She added: "This is not strategic planning for children.

"The people making the decisions are not accountable and it is public money.

"(Individual) Headteachers will be making what I consider to be these huge strategic decisions which will end in a shortage of places for children.

"Nobody even knows it's going on here.

"Whatever the rights and wrongs, this should be out in the public domain and I think every parent in Evesham should be consulted."

Elaine Huntington, headteacher for Honeybourne, said: "We are continuing to work with the local authority and other schools to find a pyramid-wide solution for all."

Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston said the situation was "on his radar."

He agreed the circumstances could lead to the middle school becoming unviable but pointed out schools could only act following consultation.

He said he wanted to bring together the headteachers, regional commissioner and the county council for a "co-ordinated discussion."

However, he said the onus was on headteachers to act responsibly.

He said: "Absolutely we are relying on people's good nature.

"This is what happens when you give schools power and freedom.

"They have got to be responsible and consult.

"If you support a school adding a year 6 and it impacts on a middle school, be aware of that."

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire county council's cabinet member for children and families said: "We are currently supporting the schools and working with them to find a pyramid-wide solution that satisfies all partners.

"Approval for any First school to become a Primary as part of or following conversion to academy status is subject to approval from the Regional Schools Commissioner."