THE headteacher at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School has said that standards will suffer after 12 pupils successfully appealed to be allowed to attend his school.

Dr Peter Holding's comments have angered parents of those who have won places.

He added: 'We take the view that this is going to be detrimental to the education of the pupils.'

Twenty-eight students had appealed against being refused places at the school in West Street, Marlow, despite having passed their 11-plus exams.

The local education authority, Buckinghamshire County Council, ruled earlier this month that the school, which claims it is already well above maximum capacity, could take 12 who live in and around Marlow.

Marlow town councillor Priscilla Stallard, whose daughter was accepted on appeal, said: 'Does this school see itself in any way as part of the community? If Dr Holding is making public announcements that these extra children are going to make the education of everyone suffer, then he is certainly not making them feel welcome.'

Cllr Stallard added that the LEA, whose appeal panel had made a site visit before making its ruling, had said it felt the school could accept the 12 without affecting standards.

Dr Holding, who said the school was now 80 places above maximum capacity, added: 'I'm delighted for those individuals who have been successful, but it is going to put a strain on the school. We will cope - we have no choice.

'We will now welcome these students as we do any other pupils.'

Euan McCrindle, of Kingswood Drive, Medmenham, whose son Toby was one of the 12 to get a place, said Dr Holding's comments were far from welcoming.

He said: 'While we appreciate his position in wanting to have an ideal size school, it's not the children's fault.

'It is in the hands of the LEA and the school to change the reserved area.

'It is the reserved area that is causing the problem, not the children. Local children should be able to have a place at their local school.'

A county council spokesman said: 'The LEA has an appeals process which is designed to support local parents who feel that they have not been treated fairly. All schools in Bucks are aware of this process.

'We will endeavour to help the school in any way if it feels it is going to be in difficulty.'