SCHOOL leaders from across a dale met to discuss the future of education as part of a council’s efforts to tackle mounting budget deficits.

Durham County Council education chiefs and representatives from schools in Weardale discussed a range of options during the meeting last week.

It follows the launch of a major review last November prompted by increased financial pressure on schools caused by flat cash grants, changes to the National Funding Formula, and in some areas, reduced pupil numbers.

Six schools had to set budget deficits for this year, with Wellfield School in Wingate and Wolsingham School in Weardale facing a combined deficit of £4.3m.

In light of this, the review is initially focusing on these areas, with a range of possible options, including closures, amalgamations, academy conversions, shared headteachers and federations, up for consideration.

Phil Hodgson, Durham County Council’s head of education, said the meeting had been positive, with a range of ideas put forward.

“School leaders and governors will now discuss these options with their staff and governing bodies,” he said.

“While this remains a challenging process requiring us to address a range of issues, the overall feeling among those present was that it can be an opportunity to set a long-term vision and ensure viability through more strategic management of education in the dale.”

He said the review offered the potential to provide an improved and more sustainable deal for children, adding: “We have asked schools to come back to us with their feedback and preferred options in early February.”