CONTROVERSIAL plans by Shelley College to accept students from aged 11 are set to be dropped.

The college planned to expand in 2014 but Scissett Middle School and Kirkburton Middle School feared the expansion to 2,100 students would cause them to lose pupils and eventually close.

Parents in the area opposed to the changes led a passionate campaign to try and keep Kirklees' only three-tier system and tonight it appears they have won.

After being contacted by more almost 1,000 concerned people this week Dewsbury MP Simon Reevell said today he would not support Shelley College's plans to expand and would, in fact, attempt to block the proposals.

He also urged Shelley College headteacher John McNally to withdraw the proposals.

When contacted by the Examiner this afternoon Mr McNally replied with a statement which reads: "

In a statement released last night, Mr  McNally said: “Shelley College is committed to a fair and democratic process, and is aware of the level of opposition to our current proposal.   “I will meet with our governors next week and recommend that the proposal is withdrawn.   “The governors will reach a decision and the correct procedure will be followed.   “As stated in all our communications, the views of parents and stakeholders would influence our decision – and this has been the case.”   Full story and reaction in tomorrow's Examiner.