A public meeting is to take place next Thursday to discuss the proposed changes to the Island's education system.

It has been called by schools ' adjudicator John Simpson due to the last -minute appeal by governors at Cheyne Middle School who are against the proposed £47m academy.

Kent County Council is determined the Island will have a two-tier system like the rest of the county.

The meeting will discuss the proposal to change the age range of provision at all first and middle schools on the Island from Sept 1 2008 and the closure of Minster College, Cheyne Middle School and Danley Middle School from September 2009.

A spokesman for the adjudicator's office, said: "He has no jurisdiction regarding the proposal of an academy and therefore is unable to accept any comments regarding this aspect of the proposal.

"He has decided to hold a public meeting to enable all those who wish to do so to present their views."

It is now four years since the consultation changes first started.

The meeting will be held from 6pm at Minster College. A creche will be available.

Comments can be put in writing to: Mrs Lisa Short, Office of the Schools Adjudicator, Mowden Hall, Staindrop Road, Darlington, DL3 9BG - or email: lisa.short:@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk. All written responses should be received by July 17.