A major shake-up of education provision is on the cards at one of the county's best performing colleges – and at schools in its catchment area.
Beauchamp College, in Oadby, is now consulting with parents and staff on proposals to change its admission age for pupils from 2016.
The college wants to begin admitting students from the age of 11, instead of 14 as it does at present.
The eight-week consultation coincides with simultaneous consultations, also launched this week, by Gartree High School and Manor High School, who propose to extend their school leaving ages from 14 to 16.
Hugh Howe, executive principal at Beauchamp College, which left local education authority control to become an academy in 2013, said: "The proposal is to become an 11 to 19 college from August 2016.
"This would mean only one transition point for children between th ages of four and 19. This decision has taken a long time but we feel it's the right path to take.
"This will impact on a great number of families. So it's important people are made aware of what will be happening."
The move will bring Oadby schools into line with other parts of the county and the UK, where the high school and upper school system is disappearing.
Supporters of the changes believe moving to a two-tier system will also help improve achievement – and choice for parents.
In a letter to parents and staff, Gartree head teacher Sonia Singleton said: "The governing body feels the time is now right to provide a school which offers continuity of education from 11 to 16, aligned to the structure."
The proposals will mean the two high schools, which both have academy status, teaching pupils through to GCSE level for the first time.
Liam Powell, head teacher at Manor High School, said: "We feel the educational arguments for change at this time are so compelling we should respond with a positive plan."
The proposals will also end a historical anomaly in the Oadby area in which children leave primary school a year earlier than elsewhere, aged 10, to start high school in Year 6.
It would mean primary schools in future having to guide pupils through SATs National Curriculum tests.
Beauchamp is proposing to accept Year 6 pupils for one year only.
County Councillor Simon Galton said: "Many parents are worried about what these changes will mean.
"My big concern is whether the primary schools can be ready in time for next year."
To be implemented, the proposals will have to be agreed by the Secretary of State for Education, and Leicestershire County Council. The consultations close on February 27.
For more information, visit:
www.beauchamp.org.uk
www.gartree.leics.sch.uk
www.manorhigh.leics.sch.uk
