PURBECK’S middle school headteachers have blasted plans revealed yesterday to plough ahead with a shake-up of schools, saying they show an “arrogant contempt” for the views of the public.

In July councillors will be asked to give the go ahead in principle to closing middle schools, adopting a two-tier system to eradicate 1,000 surplus places.

The plans have attracted some fierce opposition, particularly in Swanage and Wool, where, as a result, the community will have another say in how the system would operate.

A joint statement from the middle schools said: “The attempt by the local authority to press ahead with the proposals shows an arrogant contempt for the views of the community.

“We believe that children in their middle years of schooling are best served by middle schools.”

The proposals have received backing, notably from Purbeck School headteacher Richard Holman and head of Swanage St Mark’s First School Jeremy Harrison, who said it was an opportunity to improve standards, despite the fact his school would close.

Dorset County Council director for children’s services, John Nash, said: “Out of those who responded, a high number of Purbeck residents opposed a move to two-tier, but views from groups linked closely to the schools, including staff, governors and parents were significantly more balanced.”

Education chiefs argue that funding is provided per pupil and streamlining will make for a better system in the face of falling rolls.

In Wool, there were worries over merging two church schools, and in Swanage the loss of a non-faith school was a big concern.

Carl Styants, a parent governor at Swanage First School, said a second period of consultation meant more uncertainty.

He added: “A positive has come out of it, as it shows the strength of feeling in the town, so everyone hopefully now will be working together in Swanage to work out what’s best.”

Lesley Craze, headteacher at Wool CE VA First School, said: “From the point of view of Wool I’m pleased there’s going to be further consultation, because it was quite apparent there was an overwhelming desire to keep two schools in the village.”