WHILST the ink is still wet on the plans for the new Radcliffe Riverside School, and without a brick yet being laid, it would seem that existing pupils' lives might already be destined for disruption.

I've heard that come September 2005, Coney Green High School's GCSE takers (Year 11) will have to relocate to Radcliffe High School for their exams. Is this true? Does anyone care? Has no-one thought this through?

These pupils will already be stressed-out contemplating all the exams in front of them. The last thing they will need in the most important year of their lives is a move to the unfamiliar surroundings of another school. On paper it might only be a mile or so up the road; in reality, to many forced to change schools, it would be like starting in the first year again - different teachers, different regime, different faces and all the rivalry (that supposedly does not exist) to get used to.

I hope that what I have heard proves to be incorrect, because I don't think any child's education or future should be sold down the Riverside!

WISE OWL