The consultation is being carried out to address the falling number of primary school pupils in the area and in response to research that shows that pupils make better progress if they change school less often.

The county council also needs to have a clear vision about the future organisation of local schools in order to benefit from future government funding.

A detailed booklet with proposals for schools in Midhurst and Petworth was being made available yesterday (Wednesday 27 February).

Parents, school staff and governors are being asked to comment on the plans which have been drawn up in response to feedback from an initial consultation held last year.

A series of consultation meetings at Rother Valley schools has been arranged for March 2008. Details of these are set out in the consultation booklet.

Almost 400 people responded to the first consultation with 78 per cent in agreement that pupils should transfer to secondary school at 11-years-old in line with the 'Key Stages' of the National Curriculum.

In response to these consultation outcomes, the County Council is now recommending:

Seven schools should become 'all-through' primary schools catering for children from 4-11 years old.

Four pairs of schools (eight in total – including the already federated Graffham Infant and Duncton CE schools) should amalgamate to become 'all-through' primaries, but should continue to operate on the sites of both of the existing schools.

The closure of one school – Rogate CE Primary. The county council would talk to parents to offer a place at the nearest alternative school at South Harting, Rake or Hollycombe from September 2010.

Further information about the consultation, including how to make your views known and dates for the public meetings, can be found at: http://wsgfl.westsussex.gov.uk