STUDENTS have spoken out and had their say on possible changes that could have a huge impact on Pershore's education system.

Youngsters at schools in the area have spoken both for and against a consultation currently being held by Pershore High School to decide whether to go ahead with plans to adopt a Year 7.

The changes would see the high school grow, which could in turn have serious implications on middle and first schools in the area, including job losses.

The plans have caused controversy and headteacher Clive Corbett has revealed the consultation is now considering three outcomes; bringing in changes by September 2016, which he acknowledges is unlikely, holding off and introducing them in 2018 or not planning to take on the extra year group at all.

Headteacher at St Barnabas First and Middle School, Paul Kilgallon, said he was concerned about job losses. "If we lost Year 7 it would mean four teacher redundancies and a similar number of support staff," he said. "The worst case scenario is the first schools become primary schools and then we could lose up to eight teachers."

Now 11 students from St Barnabas First and Middle School and Pershore High School have had their say.

Year 7 students at St Barnabas were divided on the matter.

Ollie Gale, aged 11, said: "I feel it would be quite a good idea because it would give you more of a chance to be around older people and get used to it."

Reuben James, 12, was also supportive of the move but added he thought middle schools offered a nice adjustment period.

"The people that have been here since reception, for them I understand it's a huge jump because they've been here all their lives. But for the others they are more eager to move on."

But 12-year-old Jess Clarke-Morris said she preferred the current system: "They treat us like we are in high school but they are a bit softer so it helps us adjust. I cam from another school here, it gives you experience."

James Andrews, 12, added: "Because I came from a small primary school in Year 6 and I have never experienced a massive school so I think it would be a big jump for me to make."

At Pershore High students appeared to be more against the move.

Jodie Young, 13, said she didn't think she would've felt ready to make the move a year earlier.

"I don't think I would've been ready in Year 7," she said. "I would say this system is better. You get more attention to learn things at middle school.

"A lot of people say it makes you more GCSE ready, though I think that could be a positive but what we really need to do is work on working with the middle schools."

While Daisy Harvey, 12, and Jack Brown, 13, were worried about the space constraints at the school.

"It's quite crowded in the corridors for Year 7's it could make them quite nervous," said Miss Harvey.

Phoebe Sanders, 13, added: "When I was in Year 7 I know I wanted to come up as soon as possible but now I feel that up later was better."

The consultation continues until February 13. To respond, email consultation@pershore.worcs.sch.uk.