A COUNCILLOR fears the collapse of a £20m scheme to replace Eastbourne School, in Darlington, will lead to a drop in standards at Hurworth School.

Councillor Roderick Burtt, Darlington Borough Councillor for Hurworth said that the collapse of the Church of England scheme to rebuild Eastbourne School, meant a federation between it and Hurworth School will continue.

The schools were linked in the country's first education federation last year, which saw them sharing staff, facilities and equipment.

Coun Burtt said the federation between the two schools was a danger to Hurworth School and the village.

"The collapse of the new school scheme throws back a heavy burden on Hurworth, which is unfair. I'm sure the people of Hurworth are concerned that the high standards established there are in danger as a result of this.

"I have never been in favour of the federation, I think it's a danger to Hurworth and if the school is affected, then the community will be as well.

"I think the whole situation needs more open debate and scrutiny.

"Eastbourne should be treated on its own, without the possibility of dragging Hurworth down."

But Dean Judson, headteacher at Hurworth School, said exam results at both schools had improved since the federation began. The reason for the scheme's collapse has not been made clear, but Karen Pemberton, headteacher at Eastbourne school, is hoping the school could still be replaced through the Government's Building Schools for the Future initiative.