PARENTS, pupils and teachers at one of the region's schools are to be consulted about its future.

Proposals to turn Henry Smith School, in Hartlepool, into a Church of England voluntary aided school are to be discussed by all those interested in education in the town.

If the proposal gets the go-ahead the school would still be funded by the local education authority, but the Church would work to get funds to improve the school building.

It is hoped the new money would allow the school to be on one site rather than being split by the busy King Oswy Drive.

The Church would also appoint governors to a new governing body, which would aim to develop a caring, and inclusive Christian ethos at the school.

Academic standards and performance would still be monitored by the Local Education Authority.

A consultation on the proposals was and approved at a meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council on Thursday, and it will be carried out during the next month.

The results will be presented at a council meeting on December 18 when it is hoped a decision will be made allowing the new school administration to take over next September.