SHELLEY College’s controversial idea to take in younger pupils has been condemned by another group.

Green councillors on Kirklees Council have now protested against the plans, which they fear would add a massive financial burden on the authority.

The College – which became an Academy earlier this year – has suggested taking in pupils to form a Year 7 and 8.

That would have a big impact on the middle school system in the area, notably those at Kirkburton and Scissett.

The Shelley College proposals have resulted in widespread concern from parents throughout the Shelley Pyramid and in the wider community.

But Shelley College headteacher John McNally insisted people had objected without knowing the full facts.

He said once the proposals were publicised in detail for consultation starting on November 5, people would have a clearer picture.

The Green councillors say the move has become possible since Shelley College attained Academy status allowing the head to act without approval from the local council.

Clr Andrew Cooper, leader of the Greens, said: “The Shelley College proposal if implemented would have a knock-on effect throughout the local education system making Kirkburton and Scissett Middle Schools unviable with only one class year and putting huge pressure for places at first schools which are already oversubscribed.

“The cost of building new classrooms and facilities would be placed on Kirklees Council’s already overstretched budget.

“There would also undoubtedly be significant new pressures on the road network around Shelley College, improvements to which would come at a cost.”

Kirkburton ward councillor Robert Barraclough said: “Both mine and my colleague Derek Hardcastle’s children went through the middle school system and it has worked well for them, as it has for thousands of other children in our area.

“Shelley College should abandon this proposal and seek to rebuild relationships with the first and middle schools, working collaboratively to deliver a first class, stable educational environment for our children.”

Clr Cooper added: “It is unbelievable that a head teacher can put these sort of proposals forward with no accountability to democratically elected bodies like the council.

“Just because Shelley College is at the top of the Shelley Pyramid does not give him the right to act like a pharaoh.

“It shows a lack of respect for other schools and a scant disregard for the opinions of local people. I urge him to drop these proposals forthwith and recognise that he has overstepped the mark”.

Mr McNally said: “There seems to be an assumption I am making the proposals. They are coming from the governors who will put them out to consultation and will then decide whether or not to pass it on for a decision from the Secretary of State for Education.

“I expected some backlash, particularly from the middle schools, but people are making judgements without knowing all the proposals.

“At the end of the day, we could have a system which allows parents the democratic right to choose which school is best for their child.”

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