Schools merger approved by council

Two schools will merge after the plan was backed by councillors.

Horndale County Infant and Nursery School and neighbouring St Francis Church of England Aided Junior School, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, will be combined to make a new primary school for children aged three to 11.

Pupil numbers at the infant school had been "declining in recent years" while the junior school had surplus spaces, according to Durham County Council.

The merger was widely supported by staff, governors and parents, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The merger will eventually see all youngsters taught in the building currently operated by St Francis, which is the larger of the two and has "extensive outdoor learning and play space".

The vacated Horndale building could be used to provide support to children with special educational needs, the council has proposed.

Councillor Ted Henderson, cabinet member for children and young people's services, said it would help meet "significant demand" in the area.

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