Suffolk County Council is reviewing its education system

Suffolk County Council's School Review Panel is recommending the introduction of a two-tier education structure.

At present while the urban parts of Suffolk are served by only high schools and primary schools, many of the rural areas also have middle schools.

Panel chair councillor Patricia O'Brien said they had decided a two tier system would "best meet the needs of pupils".

The Panel's recommendations will go to county council's cabinet for a decision in January, then the full council is March - and if that is approved, the second phase of consultation will begin.

Ms O'Brien, who is also the county council's portfolio holder for schools, said: "We needed to identify a school system that the county could afford, which would serve Suffolk pupils well for several generations and which would help those pupils achieve their maximum potential."

At present there are 40 middle schools primarily in the north and west of the county.