CHIEF education officer Graham Badman believes the change signals a move towards better levels of achievement in schools.
He said: "I do not deny the good work of the middle schools or their attainment achievement.
"But the rate of progress is insufficient to truly transform. Every upper school and the majority of first schools have argued for change.
"My professional view is that to bring about change is the right thing to do."
Mr Badman said the switch to two-tier was about more than just structure.
He said it would create more community involvement in education.
By Mark Templeton
Story date: February 3, 2000
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