From September children at Herbert Shiner Intermediate School in years seven and eight will be taught together with Midhurst Intermediate students in Easebourne.

The decision, announced today (May 13) was taken by the school's governing body after it failed to recruit sufficient specialist teachers.

It also comes after the governing body met with parents of current and prospective students last week to discuss the situation.

Sandra Jones, head teacher of Herbert Shiner, said: "This is a very difficult decision that the governing body has had to reach. We are currently short of two teachers and staff have been going the extra mile to ensure that our students do not lose out.

"We now have a further two vacancies for September with little prospect of being able to recruit to these posts."

The proposed arrangement has been supported by Midhurst Intermediate School's governing body as a way of sustaining a viable secondary curriculum for Herbert Shiner students.

The Herbert Shiner Governing Body is also asking parents of next year's Year 6 whether they wish to go to Herbert Shiner or to Midhurst Intermediate School.

For some children, this will avoid the need to change schools twice in two years.

West Sussex County Council's cabinet member for children and young people's services, Pat Arculus, said: "I believe that the governing body has had to take an incredibly tough decision in the best interests of students.

"It has my full support that this is an appropriate way forward.

"The county council will do all that it can to support the parents and schools to make this transition as smooth as possible. Any additional transport will be provided and paid for by the county council."

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