PARENTS and teachers have slammed plans to change the school admissions policy in Wimborne.

The Wimborne Academy Trust (WAT) - responsible for Allenbourn Middle School, St Michael's CE Middle School, and first schools Colehill, Hayeswood, Merley, St John's and Witchampton - has proposed to alter progression routes through the seven schools.

Children at first schools within the WAT could be looked on favourably for admission to the organisation's middle schools.

Parents of children at first schools not within the trust may have to find middle school places elsewhere, it is now feared.

Wimborne First School head Sarah Hartley and chairman of governors Gary Plummer have now spoken out about the plans in a letter to parents, which reads: "Let us reassure you, we do not support these proposals and have the full backing of Dorset County Council, who are also raising their concerns with the WAT."

Parents were informed about the plans earlier this week(W/C NOV16), but only had until Friday(NOV20) to respond to the organisation's board of trustees.

Trustees will then have until February 28 next year to make the decision.

"We would urge all parents not to make any hasty decisions in terms of their child's schooling," the letter continued.

"Until we know the results of the consultation, it would be wrong to make any assumptions. We will, of course, keep you updated with information as this matter moves forward."

A mum of two children currently attending a school outside of the WAT said: "This decision could be to the detriment of every single child in Wimborne.

"We're now looking at children having to travel to West Moors, Ferndown, Broadstone or Corfe Mullen to attend middle school.

"Plenty of people moved to Wimborne because of the quality of the schools here."

Cllr Toni Coombs, Dorset County Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "The county council is committed to make sure admission arrangements across Dorset are transparent and that there are good, local school places for every child.

"We will work closely with the trust through this process to make sure all children in Dorset get a fair chance to go to a local school."

Cllr Coombes said it was acknowledged that trusts may propose changes to their admission arrangements, but added: "We do have strong reservations about this proposed policy.

"If adopted, it is likely to add uncertainty for families and could make significant changes to traditional relationships between the first and middle schools in Wimborne. "We are mindful that this could also have travel implications for families as they look further afield for school places."

Representatives from the WAT have not responded to requests for a comment.