EDUCATION chiefs have stepped up pressure on the Government to find ways around cash obstacles preventing a £25m replacement for a top-performing school.

Education Minister Stephen Twigg met a delegation from Durham Johnston School and Durham County Council to discuss the issue.

The county council wants to build a new school on its main Crossgate Moor site in Durham City. But because of Durham Johnston's academic achievements, it doesn't qualify for early inclusion in the Government's Building Schools for the Future initiative to upgrade or replace every secondary school in the country over the next ten to 15 years.

Councillor Neil Foster said: "The county council wants to replace the school as soon as possible, but we need to overcome the funding gap.

"Building Schools for the Future does not suit schools like Durham Johnston, and there is a real risk it will be left at the back of the queue if action is not taken. I think the minister now recognises this."

Under present procedures, the council can bid for up to £6m and the delegation asked for this to be reviewed to accommodate a bid for the full £11m.

Chairman of governors Roberta Blackman-Woods said: "The case for building a new school is not just compelling, it's overwhelming.

"It can't be expected to go on forever on separate sites with so much temporary accommodation."