WHILE Anne Lakey’s imprisonment brings to an end one sorry chapter in the history of the Durham Federation, there remains much uncertainty over the twin schools’ future.

Back in November, a damning Ofsted report triggered the closure of its sixth form, the resignation of its chair of governors and emergency moves to convert it to an academy.

The newly appointed Interim Executive Board (IEB) that now oversees the Federation, which comprises Durham Community Business College (DCBC) in Ushaw Moor and Fyndoune Community College in Sacriston, today (Wednesday, June 24) refused to answer any questions, referring all media enquiries to Durham County Council, which in turn referred reporters back to the IEB.

The Federation’s principal, Trevor Dunn, and Fyndoune’s head, Sam Robbins, are now back at work having previously been suspended for reasons that have still not been disclosed and the Federation is facing a financial crisis, with “significant savings” needed.

Twin Ofsted reports published in January concluded both schools were making “reasonable” progress towards coming out of special measures and their action plan was fit for purpose.

However, both are still banned from appointing newly qualified teachers and inspectors highlighted “significant gaps” in governors’ ability to monitor senior and middle leadership.

“Expectations of how senior and middle leaders work across the two colleges need to be urgently addressed,” Ofsted said.

A Department for Education spokeswoman said it was “exploring all options, including academy conversion”. No details of potential sponsors have emerged.

MP Kevan Jones, whose North Durham constituency covers Fyndoune, has called for the Federation to be turned into an academy as quickly as possible; but Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, whose Durham City patch includes DCBC, said decisions should not be rushed.

Caroline O’Neill, the council’s head of education, said while employment matters were the responsibility of the IEB, following the conclusion of criminal proceedings it would “liaise with them regarding their next steps”.