CONCERNS over the future of the three-tier system and Pershore middle schools have resurfaced after an academy trust’s age change plans were rubber stamped.

A middle school’s assistant headteacher has slammed the plans, saying it could lead to uncertainty and redundancies at his school.

Avonreach Academy Trust (AAT) released a statement on Monday announcing from September 2019 its schools, Cherry Orchard First School, Pershore, Inkberrow First and Norton Juxta Kempsey CE First, will take on Year 5 pupils and a year later, from September 2020, Year 6 pupils.

Meanwhile AAT’s other school, Pershore High, appears to be squeezing middle schools in the other direction, announcing it will take on Year 7 pupils from September 2021.

An AAT statement said: “We are delighted to announce that following a diligent and exhaustive review the Regional Schools Commissioner approved our request to change the age ranges at their meeting on December 13.”

Middle schools under the current three-tier system, cater for years 5, 6 and 7.

AAT schools are allowed to make the changes because academies can set their own admissions policies.

The statement added: “We would like to stress that AAT and its schools will continue to work closely with middle schools and partner schools both in and beyond the Pershore pyramid to ensure the best possible educational outcomes for all children, irrespective of the route they choose to take.”

But Stephen Booth, assistant headteacher at St Barnabas First and Middle School, Drakes Broughton, criticised the plans, saying: “Ultimately we will have to make redundancies and it will reduce our funding.

"We had 24 pupils come to a taster day last week, and received positive comments.

"But we now have uncertainty - it could be any number, four pupils to 24 pupils, that come. It is a difficult situation.

"Parents in Redditch have stuck with supporting the traditional three tier system, when they had a choice.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: "We will work closely with the academies and all partners affected to ensure that the quality of education in Pershore for all age ranges remains at a consistently high standard."