Set changes anger parents

Parents of pupils in year nine at Whitworth Community High School are angry with the school after changes to pupil’s sets were implemented.

The new changes now place pupils in sets based on their English ability. For example, if a student was placed in set three for English but was placed in set one for other subjects, they have now been moved down to set three to reflect their English ability.

One parent who contacted Rochdale Online said: “It is disgraceful that they have done this. It is knocking the children’s confidence and our children deserve better.”

Gillian Middlemas, Acting Head Teacher at Whitworth Community High School, said: “We are pleased with the changes that have been made and they are part of a wider change across the whole school. We feel that these changes are a vehicle for driving success and improvement throughout our school.”

Mrs Middlemas added: “We have changed year 11 timetables to help with the flexibility surrounding GCSEs and we have also made changes in other areas. For example, year eight tutor groups are now single gendered to promote competition and we will be starting the key stage four curriculum in June rather than September.”

It is understood that complaints have been made to the school from some parents regarding the changes.

Another parent said: “I have complained to the school and the person implementing the change but was told it’s for the good of the school, it’s only for a short time. That's already too late. Some students are very upset and don't understand why they are now in low sets.”

Whitworth Community High School currently has 510 students and Mrs Middlemas has reported positive responses from parents. She said: “We have spoken to some parents who are unhappy but we have also spoken to a lot of parents who are very happy with the changes. Some have said it is brilliant but if any parents are still unhappy then they can come to us and we can speak to them about the changes.”