AS a former Padgate High student myself, I know the recent proposals to the secondary education system in Padgate, Woolston and Orford have sent the surrounding areas into chaos.

Lack of students is the reason behind the idea of shutting down either Padgate or Woolston high schools and amalgamating them.

Numerous petitions have been launched to dismiss the proposals and more than 300 signatures were collected on Padgate and Woolston walking days showing the serious impact the suggestions have already had.

A source at Padgate Library said: "If the school shuts down it will be really very sad and cause great disappointment.

"The school does so much for the community and its continuous contact with the feeder primary schools and we've even had people coming in the library expressing their concern over the situation."

Both schools have been holding community public meetings so you, the affected students and families can have your say on the subject.

Sarah Mendlesohn, an former Padgate High school student, said "I'm outraged at the suggestions.

"It would take a huge chunk out of the community alongside destroying more than 25 years of history.

"The school does so much, it has technology and arts status and even runs a recreation centre.

So much funding has been put into it and it achieves enough by itself."