PARENTS and teachers told of their disappointment last night at the approval of a controversial plan to merge two schools.

Whinfield infant and junior schools in Darlington will close and reform as a single primary school, despite strong opposition from staff and governors at the junior school.

They told Darlington Borough Council's school organisation committee yesterday that a primary school accommodating 630 children would be too large and could affect pupils' education.

But the committee voted unanimously in favour of the plan after the authority's assistant director of education, David Walker, told them: "It's about the leadership and management of the school, not the size."

Seventy three letters and a petition opposing the plan were received by the authority during the first consultation period, and a further 26 during the second phase.

"I think it's not a significant number," said Mr Walker.

He said many of the objectors from the junior school felt a single school would not be able to match its high educational standards.

But he quoted examination results from last year which, he said, proved "Whinfield Junior is not a high-performing school".

He said the amalgamation would provide a better continuous education for pupils in both schools, particularly those with special needs.

Margaret Smith, a teacher-governor at the junior school, told the meeting that the "negative and hurtful" report to the committee on the plan had "completely de-motivated" staff. Alison Godfrey, a mother of two boys at the junior school, said: "My reaction when I read this report was complete and utter bewilderment. I find it an extraordinary document which in no way reflects the fantastic achievements of the school.

"I feel hurt and mystified that such a successful school in all ways has been described as it has."

Kath Williams, a teacher-governor from the infant school, said staff and parents had mixed views.

She said the amalgamation plan had "caused a bit of upset between the two schools".

After the decision, Mrs Smith said staff at both schools were professional enough to work together.

But she added: "We are very disappointed. I think it's an unnecessary burden on the school at this time."