A PARENTS' pressure group is demanding Sandbach High School scraps its controversial decision to admit boys for the first time.

Parents of pupils at the all-girls high school and all-boys Sandbach School are furious that they were not consulted before a decision was made to take in male sixth-formers.

Now the Both Schools Parents Group (BSPG) has written to headteachers and governors at the schools demanding their views are considered.

Founder member Tony Kinsella, of Park Lane, Sandbach, said: 'We have not been consulted about this decision, which is very worrying. We have written to the heads and governors of each school and asking for a review of the decision.

'Parents have been notified of the changes but we believe we have been illinformed and they are trying to keep us in the dark.

'We are keen on involving the whole town because this does not just affect pupils at the school now. It will have a huge impact for years to come. Once the decision to let boys in has been made we believe it will be irreversible. Repercussions are immense.'

The BSPG has arranged a meeting with Cheshire County Council education officials next Tuesday at 7.30pm at Wesley Church Hall in Chapel Street.

The group has delivered hundreds of leaflets to Sandbach households urging people to attend.

Mr Kinsella, who has two sons aged 17 and 15 at Sandbach School, added: 'We believe there is a danger of both schools competing against each other for pupils, and the funding that goes with them.'

Under the current rules, Sandbach High School can admit up to 25% boys to its sixth-form. If it wanted to increase that percentage it would have to apply for permission to the Local Education Authority (LEA).

The row has simmered for several months. Sandbach School officials are angry that their plans to work together with the girls' school in the long-term have been dashed.

Sandbach School headteacher Peter Wiles said: 'There is clearly much concern about Sandbach High School's decision to withdraw from the collaborative structure which had been reached with the support of the LEA and Learning Skills Council.

'Sandbach School continues to feel that a partnership between the two schools is the right way forward.'

Sandbach High headteacher John Leigh insists he has the best interests of pupils at heart. He said a broader range of educational opportunities will be created and it will help teenagers develop in a social environment.

Mr Leigh declined to comment further when the Chronicle contacted him yesterday.