Leader of Bradford council has told local councillors he is backing the proposed changes to the structure of local education. Council leader John Ryan told members of Denholme town council the change to a two-tier system would be the "right step forward" for education in the district.

Councillor Ryan made the announcement during a joint visit to Denholme town council with the lord mayor coun Tony Cairns.

He says: "Having spent some time in education I genuinely believe that this is the right step forward for Bradford, assuming that it is supported by the council.

"Circumstances have chang-ed and the introduction of four stage testing fits very awkwardly with the middle school system that we have.

"We also have the situation where a lot of the schools are in the wrong place, with many of them needing huge amounts of repairs."

He adds: "The three-tier system has now become too expensive to run effectively because middle schools require teachers who specialise in certain areas."

Denholme town mayor Cllr Russell Driver asked Cllr Ryan what reassurances he could give the people of Denholme, that local schools would stay open.

He replied that small middle schools which served more remote areas like Denholme would have to be supported in some way during the shake-up. Coun Driver also asked if the new two-tier system would provide more choice for parents in Denholme, who are now left with Beckfoot Grammar as their only option since Bingley Grammar changed to grant maintained status.

Cllr Ryan said: "There will be new schools opening in the area, but where they will be set is still to be decided."

In relation to grant maintained schools, he explained how new government legislation could lead to a change of name and a greater involvement from the local authority. Grant maintained establishments will become Foundation schools, and local authorities will have a much greater say about their admission policies.

Councillor Ryan concluded: "As a local authority we are not doing well enough. Something has to be done and resources play an important part in that."

His view is not shared by the headteacher of Parkside middle school Robert Quarter-main, who is adamant that a change to a two-tier system will not improve standards.

Mr Quartermain said: "I think it is a mistake that the local authority is making, and I believe they are looking for scapegoats.

"They are looking for reasons to adjust their difficult financial situation but they are certainly not philosophical or educational reasons."

A decision about the future of the Cullingworth school will be revealed on Tuesday when all the recommendations will be announced to the public.

Tiers and tears ..

the future of our schools

see Readers' Letters

Page 10

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