NINE members of Bewdley High School's governing body have quit in disgust at the way sweeping Wyre Forest education changes have been managed.

A scathing letter to Worcester-shire County Council signed by the departing members, including the chairman and clerk, described the transition process to a two-tier system as "flawed" and claimed "the promise of minimal disruption had proved entirely false".

They also complained of "inconsistencies and unfairness" in the review, stating it continued to "cause distress and concern to governors, staff and pupils, with little or no tangible benefit apparent".

The decision not to make former headteacher, David Derbyshire, who left for a similar post in Somerset during the summer break, the leader of the new Bewdley Community Secondary School was the major reason behind the protest move.

Chairman of governors, Sue Thompson, was outvoted by interim governing body members last year when Julie Reilly, currently head at Comberton Middle School, was made head designate for the new Bewdley secondary school, opening next September.

The rebels have complained to the review bosses in a bid to overturn the decision. They claim it should not stand because not all panel members were present when the appointment was made.

Fiona Andrew, who is to become deputy head, has taken over as headteacher for Bewdley High's final academic year following Mr Derbyshire's departure.

Dale Parmenter, who has quit the board of governors after five years and is a former pupil of Bewdley High, explained: "We are all so frustrated with the way things have been carried out. It seems our views just do not matter because we have been totally ignored. If no-one is prepared to listen, then what is the point of us being there?

"Our grievance is not with the staff who have been selected for next year. It is with the process as a whole. We took a great deal of time when we appointed David. He came in when we were at a bit of a low point. Things have really started to turn around and this year's exam results have shown that.

"We are all very concerned about the effect all these changes have had on morale throughout the school. We have registered our complaints on a number of occasions but they have been brushed aside."

Clerk of the governors Gill Anderson, Ann Howarth, Roger Key, Justin Parker, Graham Bullock, Gren Jones and Jane Lawrence have tendered resignations with Mr Parmenter and Mrs Thompson.

The education shake-up was decided in 2004 and all 45 district first, middle and high schools are to close and be replaced by 30 primary and secondary schools.

Zoe Cookson, Wyre Forest Schools Review project manager, said: "Our appointment processes were drawn up following lengthy consultation with the governors and heads of the 45 closing schools, and in conjunction with the unions.

"We recognise that, inevitably, until all the appointments are completed, there will be uncertainty among staff and we are doing everything we can to support them.

"The governors at Bewdley High School have worked hard over the years. Ultimately, we must respect their decision to leave and we are grateful to those who will be remaining to see the school through to closure."