PARENTS opposed to major changes at a village secondary school have staged a protest.

Crowds gathered outside County Hall in Durham ahead of a meeting with education chiefs to demonstrate over the reorganisation of Durham Federation.

After the summer holiday, around 250 pupils from Fyndoune Community College in Sacriston will have to travel to Durham Community Business College in Ushaw Moor, five miles away.

The facilities at Ushaw Moor will be for academic courses while the Sacriston site will cater for pupils studying for vocational qualifications such as hospitality, catering and hair and beauty as well as youngsters who need additional educational support.

Holly Kirby, 12, a year seven student at Fyndoune, said: “Some people say they don’t want go over there because it feels like a prison.

“We don’t know anyone over there, any of the teachers or where anything it. It is a bit daunting.”

Her mother Julie Huscroft, 42, who joined her at the demonstration, said people were angry the school had not kept people informed of the plans or consulted them.

She said: “The way they have gone about this is absolutely disgusting. There has been no thought for pupils or parents given by the school or the council. They have just done it.”

It is understood around 50 children will have to travel to Sacriston instead of Ushaw Moor.

There will be free bus travel for youngsters affected by the changes, but there are concerns the cost will rise to over £50 a month after the first year

Alison Jobling, headteacher at The Durham Federation, said Thursday's meeting was arranged to give Sacriston Parish Council the opportunity to ask any questions about planned changes.

She said: “We know that some parents have raised concerns about these changes and we are happy to arrange appointments for those who want to find out more or tour either site.

“The school will continue to be known as The Durham Federation and parents and carers have already been sent letters informing them that the uniform remains the same.

“Transport for those who currently attend the Sacriston site will be free of charge for the foreseeable future and arrangements are now being made to finalise the most appropriate routes to support all of our pupils.”

North Durham MP Kevan Jones said high quality education must be the priority.

He said: “Communication of the changes have been poor. Parents and the community must have their concerns answered and be a part of the school’s future.”