SANDBACH parents have voiced their opposition to plans for boys to study at the town's all girls sixth-form college.

More than 100 parents packed in to a meeting with Cheshire education chiefs and voted unanimously against the proposal which would see boys aged 16 to 18 studying at the all girls Sandbach High School.

Headteacher at Sandbach High School, John Leigh, had planned to admit boys for the next school year in 2005, but the Local Education Authority (LEA) dealt the plan a blow by revealing 2006 would be the earliest possible date.

Worried parent Tony Kinsella, of Park Lane, Sandbach said: 'Many people have not decided whether mixed education is going to be a good or bad thing, but what people object to is the girls school forging ahead with its plans without any regard for the people it will affect. This is not about money, it is about children's futures.'

The LEA's Director of Education and Community David Cracknell says it is backing a collaborative approach, with the all girls Sandbach High School entering into talks with the all boys Sandbach School to pool resources.

He said: 'It is clear there are differences between Sandbach High School and Sandbach School, but there is a duty on Cheshire County Council to promote collaboration in the interests of all young people.'

Girls school headteacher John Leigh is expected to make his position clear at a meeting tonight.

Mr Leigh said: 'There will be a presentation clarifying where we are and how we arrived at the current position, namely, seeking to enrol boys into our sixth form and pursuing closer collaboration with Sandbach School.

'The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in education in Sandbach, irrespective of whether they have a daughter in our school.

'As a result of this meeting it is hoped to be able to put an end to the misrepresentations of what we are doing and to address any concerns there might be in the community.'

Senior staff and governors will also be available for comment.

The meeting is at 7.30pm tonight at the school in Middlewich Road.