Two County Durham schools could be merged as part of plans suggested by a local authority. 

Plans to combine Horndale County Infant and Nursery School and St. Francis Church of England (Aided) Junior School in Newton Aycliffe into a Church of England Primary School have been raised by Durham County Council (DCC). 

The local authority said the proposal provides the best future option for children, the school, and the community. 

Horndale School was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in October 2022 but has experienced declining pupil numbers in recent years. 

The school has also needed more than £45,000 in financial support to address deficit issues. However, DCC recently learned it is not sustainable to rely on future grants to balance the school's budget. 

St Francis Church of England Junior School has been chosen as a potential partner due to its nearby location and feasibility. 

“The school is in a good physical condition with no immediate capital priorities, it currently has surplus places allowing some of the classes from Horndale school to be accommodated on the main school site should the proposal be agreed,” said a statement. 

It added: “We believe this proposal provides the best future option for the children, the school, and the community it serves based on educational outcomes, pupil numbers, site issues, and sustainable finances.”

Education officers at the local authority said the breadth of curriculum and the opportunity for social development of pupils at an all-through primary school would be enhanced by pupils being educated on the St Francis site, which also has extensive outdoor learning spaces. 

Meanwhile, the Horndale County Infant and Nursery School site could be repurposed for other uses. Recent roof and window renovations make the accommodation viable for other education purposes. 

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Without merging the two schools, the local authority warned it would “would pose a number of challenges around the appropriate allocation of education resources and an effective curriculum delivery”. 

The statement added: “ Reputational damage could affect the success of a future amalgamation and it must be acknowledged that both governing bodies are aware of this.”

Parents have been asked to respond to a survey on the potential merger between September 9 and October 20. A final decision is due in January 2025.