Oxford stands today on the brink of a new era in education, writes Mark Templeton.

The full impact of yesterday's decision to scrap the city's middle school system and create a new structure of only primary and secondary schools was still sinking in among many.

All but two councillors on the county's education committee voted to ditch the existing three-tier structure, allowing a process to take place that will change the face of education in Oxford for ever.

* Out goes Temple Cowley Middle.

* Out goes Donnington Middle. * Out goes Milham Ford Girls Upper - Oxford's only girls' state school.

* Out goes Speedwell First School.

And even though the axed schools were expecting the decision, there was sadness at the news.

More than 100 teachers, parents, governors and children staged a last-ditch attempt to lobby councillors yesterday but the protest failed.

Such was the interest in the debate, the county council set up a live TV link from the packed committee room to the council chamber for extra members of the public. The county's chief education officer Graham Badman said the change was the "right way to go".

The switch to a two-tier system is likely to affect around 200 jobs. Urgent talks will now take place with unions to discuss how best to relocate staff and avoid compulsory redundancies.

Two months of statutory consultations on the new look must now take place. Any objections will be considered in May before the matter goes back before the education committee on June 6.

The school organisation committee will meet to finalise the plans in late June or early July before a final rubber-stamping from the full council.

Story date: Thursday 03 February

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