TEACHERS and parents were today making a last-ditch attempt to save their schools by pleading: "Don't close us down."

Demonstrators gathered outside County Hall in Oxford to lobby councillors before a crucial debate on Oxford's three-tier system of education. County councillors are expected to approve plans to scrap the city's middle schools and replace them with a two-tier system of primary and secondary schools.

Teachers and parents were handing out leaflets to education committee members before the meeting. Children from Isis First School were carrying placards and lobbying councillors.

If approved, the plans would change the face of education in Oxford for ever. The scheme would see Donnington, Temple Cowley and Milham Ford Girls schools close.

A question mark also hangs over Headington Quarry and St Augustine of Canterbury.

Dr Evan Harris, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, added his voice to the last-minute pleas. He called for Milham Ford School -- Oxford's one girls-only school -- to stay open.

Story date: February 2, 2000

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