THE first detailed report into a dramatic shake-up of education in Wyre Forest has been delayed until the New Year after officers were "overwhelmed" by the response from schools, parents and governors.

A report into initial consultation into the proposals was due to go before the county's education leaders next week - but will now go to a meeting on February 9 instead.

County chiefs also revealed changes resulting from the review would not now come on line until September 2006, a year later than originally suggested.

The review, likely to result in school closures across the district but particularly in Kidderminster, is designed to improve overall educational standards and combat a huge and growing problem of surplus school places in the area.

A massive investment in school buildings is also proposed.

The review could result in a switch from the existing three-tier education system of first, middle and high schools to a two-tier system of primary and secondary schools.

Colin Weeden, the county's director of educational policy and development responsible for coordinating the review, said some 600 responses had been received from a range of individuals and organisations. Public meetings had been held around the district and every school had been consulted, he said.

There had been prominent and strong "save our school" campaigns, particularly from first schools who had been named as candidates for closure in the initial consultation document, said Mr Weeden.

He said some 75 per cent of responses had given opinions on the "two-tier versus three-tier" education debate, as well as or instead of commenting on specific proposals.

There had also been a "significant" number of alternative proposals put forward which councillors meeting in February might vote to consult on further, he added.

At the February meeting councillors will be informed of the outcome of the consultation process and may ask for further investigations, prior to receiving a final report in July setting out the preferred options.

Their final decision will then go to a committee including representatives of the education authority, governors, church bodies and the Learning & Skills Council. The final decision will then go out for verification.

"Schools and parents will definitely know what is going to be happening by the autumn term of 2004 to give them time to take account of any changes," he added.

KEY FEATURES OF INITIAL PROPOSALS

Merger of Baxter College, King Charles I High and Wolverley High onto two sites (both options).

Merger of Bewdley High and Wribbenhall Middle (two-tier option only).

Merger of Bayton Primary and Far Forest First (three-tier option only).

Closure of St Barnabas First in merger with Marlpool First (both options).

Closure of Stone First in merger with Spennells First (both options).

Merger of Lea Street, St George's and St Mary's first schools onto two sites (both options).

Mergers of Areley Kings and Areley Common First and of Stourport and Wilden first schools, Stourport (two-tier option only).

Closure of Lickhill Middle in merger with Areley Kings First (two-tier option only).