A MOVE to abandon the middle school education system in Northallerton and replace it with one single secondary school is to go to consultation.

The town is the last area in North Yorkshire - and one of the last in the country to continue with the middle school system - and education bosses say scrapping it is in the best interests of the 1,350 pupils.

Currently secondary school students go to the Allertonshire School from 11 to 14 and Northallerton College from 14 to 19.

However, the county council is now proposing the change following continued concern nationally that the system causes problems for some pupils.

It says students would benefit by not having to go through the transition process between the schools and from a single curriculum, timetable and greater staff numbers - all by joining together two relatively small secondary schools. The single school would be called Northallerton School and Sixth Form.

Arthur Barker, the council's executive member for schools, said: “We believe this is a very positive step forward for young people in Northallerton as the transfer aged 14 from Allertonshire to Northallerton College has created a transition point which can have an adverse effect on children’s progress.

“We believe that schools should join together as far as possible to share good practice in the drive to raise standards of teaching and learning and we, as the county’s executive, have fully endorsed consulting on this proposal”.

The schools have been working in partnership for some years and in a federation with Risedale College at Catterick Garrison since September 2013. They are led by a single executive principal and governing body.

Joint curriculum and transition planning has already been taking place and the governors have agreed the creation of an all-through secondary school in Northallerton is a logical step forward.

The enlarged school would remain in federation with Risedale Sports and Community College.

The amalgamated school would be created by the enlargement, change of age range and status of Allertonshire School from a Community School to a Voluntary Controlled School and the associated technical closure of Northallerton College, with the continued use of existing buildings.

Existing links with Durham Cathedral, dating back 600 years, will continue on the governing body. The consultation began today, September 8, until October 20, and if agreed the schools will amalgamate in April next year. For details visit www.northyorks.gov.uk