A SCHOOL threatened with closure could launch a fight to remain open.

St Anthony's RC School is one of three comprehensives in east Middlesbrough facing the threat of closure because of falling rolls and poor academic achievement.

Two other schools, Keldholme and Langbaurgh, are to make way for a City Academy.

The Diocese of Middlesbrough, which runs St Anthony's, is opposed to a merger with the new academy.

Canon Michael Bayldon, of the diocesan trustees, told a meeting of the School Organisation Committee in Middlesbrough last month: "The trust does not believe it would be appropriate for them to enter into a partnership in a school, which would not have a Catholic ethos."

It is understood representatives told a governors' meeting this week that the diocese was not in the business of closing schools.

Chris Griffiths, headmaster at St Anthony's said yesterday: "We hope to say to the world we see a future for ourselves. We are working as normal, as though we had a future. We believe in the school and our school's future."

Susan Goodhall, head of education services with Middlesbrough Borough Council, said last night: "Further discussions will be taking place between the diocese, and the local education authority, and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment at this stage.''

St Anthony's GCSE results this year were an improvement on previous years and the school has drawn up an improvement plan with targets being set for next year.

Hans Ruyssenaars, regional official for the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers, revealed that the union will consider calling for a judicial review if the council goes ahead with plans to close all three schools.