I AM not local, so did not go through the middle school system, but my husband and children have.

They have greatly benefitted, I feel, from having that transition stage where they had the time and the space to adjust to a more formal stage in education, different specialist teaching and to become more independent without being lost in a vast school with a huge age range.

However, I am concerned that this system is currently under threat from some smaller village first schools in the Evesham/Blackminster pyramid, who are looking into holding onto their year six pupils.

Due to national changes in funding small rural Worcestershire schools are at risk of losing significant grants and funding is "by bums on seats."

The consequence could be "poaching" year six pupils from middle schools, potentially jeopardising their own financial viability.

The current consultation process has taken up significant amounts of time of staff and governors' (who are unpaid) as well as the cost in adminstration.

This seems a scandalous waste when school budgets are so tight.

It is also pitting schools against schools and generating ill feeling amongst staff who should all be pulling together to give the best education possible to all local children.

Sally Witheford

9 St Michaels Close

South Littleton

WR11 8FZ