IF plans are given the thumbs up at today's big education debate, middle schools will vanish and be replaced with a two-tier system of primary and secondary schools.

Further talks are also set to take place to discuss the safety of teachers' jobs if the go-ahead is given to change the current system.

Under the scheme, three schools face closure while a question mark hangs over another two.

It is believed up to 200 jobs could be affected by any changes, although Oxfordshire County Council has promised it will do everything possible to relocate teachers.

Speaking several days before the debate, Robert Capstick, the county's Principal Education Officer, said: "Depending on the outcome of the vote, we have a series of meetings lined up with unions to discuss job worries.

"Obviously we hope it will never reach voluntary redundancy but I can't give any assurances about that at this stage."

Oxford City Council has given its backing to the proposals. But a poll of parents, teachers and governors seeking their views on the matter drew only a tiny response.

It is understood Conservatives will back change but Liberal Democrats and Labour are yet to decide on the issue.

Councillors will be lobbied by teachers from Speedwell First School and Lawn Upton Middle School before the meeting. Under the plans, the schools will close and a new primary will be created on one of their sites.

Three other schools, Donnington, Temple Cowley and Milham Ford Girls' will close while the future is uncertain for Headington Quarry and St Augustine of Canterbury.

Story date: February 1

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