A SCHOOL has been praised by doubting parents.

They said they were impressed with a college run by the Vardy Foundation, a sponsor of a super school being built in Middlesbrough.

Some parents were worried that the Christian beliefs of the foundation could influence the teaching of evolution and science at the proposed Kings Academy, which will replace Coulby Newham and Brackenhoe schools in September next year.

Parents toured Emmanuel College, Gateshead, which has beacon status.

The school was described on the parents' website as "very impressive'' with excellent facilities including "a well-provisioned library'', a science department which "appeared to be the largest area of the school'' and "extensive'' art facilities.