AN OTLEY school's planned admissions shake-up has drawn criticisms from the local MP.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) has expressed his concerns about the plan in his formal response to a consultation being run by Prince Henry's Grammar School.

Prince Henry's has agreed to form a Multi-Academy Trust with Bramhope Primary and wants to change its admissions policy to ensure pupils from the village's school are given 'a higher priority'.

The Otley school's Headteacher, Janet Sheriff, has insisted that the changes would 'not...be to the detriment of any child where Prince Henry’s is their nearest high school'.

Mr Sobel, however, believes other local children could lose out - and has spelled out as much in his response.

He said: "I am deeply concerned by this decision to alter the admissions policy at Prince Henry’s.

"Having met with Pool C of E Primary School, I can reflect their concern that this policy is going to affect their current pupils who live just outside the closest school area.

"Bramhope Primary School is 4.5 miles away from Prince Henry’s and, in some parts of Bramhope, Prince Henry’s is their fourth nearest school.

"Children living on Pool Bank New Road, for example, are only 3.5 miles away from Prince Henry’s and will be placed in the lowest category for admissions.

"What’s more, in the results driven modern education culture, there are clear benefits for Prince Henry’s in including children from a higher socio-economic background.

"Whilst we accept the benefit to them, and to the Bramhope pupils who wish to attend Prince Henry’s, it is to the detriment of pupils that fall outside of this - and to the other, much closer secondary school - Ralph Thorsby School - that currently has Bramhope in its catchment."

He added: "I have long campaigned against academies and against Multi Academy Trusts.

"There is no proof that they are any better than maintained schools and there is a loss of local accountability. Instead of competing, Leeds schools must work together for the benefit of all Leeds children."

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) has also voiced concerns about the impact on some children in Pool.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon), meanwhile, has claimed that adding preferential arrangements for pupils from specific schools is 'wrong in principle'.

The seven week consultation will end on Friday, November 23 and the responses will then be considered by the Board of Governors before a decision is announced in early 2019.

Ms Sheriff and Bramhope Primary Headteacher Rachel Colbourn have stated that the MAT should deliver 'mutual support, challenge and benefits' to both schools.