THE new headteacher of one of Darlington's leading schools has pledged to work closely with parents to boost education opportunities.

Pat Howarth, who has taken over Hummersknott School and Language College, has a clear vision of how he wants to enhance standards and learning opportunities.

Among the targets are an increase in multimedia and information technology facilities, and forging a closer relationship with the community by offering evening classes and use of sports facilities.

But overcoming the controversy which affected the school earlier this year will be one of the biggest challenges.

It hit the headlines over its policy of 50 per cent of GCSE students having to take two languages.

Parents complained because it forced some pupils to drop history, geography and religious education studies.

Mr Howarth said: "School is a fundamental time for a child to do well. It is down to the students, teachers and parents to work together. The priority for me is to move forward in this partnership.

"There has been a change in the Government's national agenda with regards to languages and, in regular comprehensive schools, pupils over the age of 14 no longer have to take a language.

"Therefore, over the next 12 months we have to be re-designated as a language college and our language policy will have to be reviewed.

"I will be speaking to, and working with, parents and pupils."