Schools need your views on extending age ranges

In a bid to improve education standards, Tithe Farm, Thornhill and Hawthorn Park schools plan to expand to accommodate three to 11-year-olds.

Informal consultations have been approved by the council, and these join Thomas Whitehead Lower School whose consultation was approved by its governing body due to it being a voluntary aided school.

Councillor Mark Versallion, said: “Above all we want to raise standards and results for all our pupils.

“We will consider any proposals by schools that will meet these aims as long as they can show that this is what parents want, that the new arrangements will meet the needs of all pupils including those with special educational needs and the changes can be achieved within existing resources.”

The initial consultation will invite comments from parents, staff, local communities and organisations.

Three of the schools have announced dates for public meetings where their proposals will be discussed.

Thornhill School will host their meeting on Wednesday January 11, Hawthorn Park School on Thursday January 12 and Tithe Farm School on Wednesday January 18.

Each meeting is scheduled to take place at 6pm.

The consultation process will end in early February when the council will make a decision about Tithe Farm, Thornhill and Hawthorn Park.

The changes could be implemented in September 2013.