The move by Greenfield Community College will see more than 100 pupils– currently in years nine and ten– travel from its Sunnydale campus in Shildon to Newton Aycliffe to study for core exams.

Around two thirds of pupils are already bussed between sites for option subjects but from September GCSE maths, English and science will all be taught at Newton Aycliffe.

Headteacher David Priestley said: "We need to do this to suit pupils' needs appropriately for the final two years, to have them all in the same place with access to the full range of teachers.

"The new GCSEs are more rigorous than the old ones, not having pupils in the right ability groups would really disadvantage young people."

Pupils from Shildon will still be able to use the breakfast club, study support and library at Sunnydale before boarding a bus for lessons at Newton Aycliffe.

They will return to Shildon at staggered times so they can access facilities and afterschool activities at Newton Aycliffe or get back to Sunnydale for 3.15pm, funded by the school.

Mr Priestley said: "We are very committed to being involved and part of the Shildon community. We want to focus on the year seven, eight and nine offer and work in greater collaboration with primary schools.

"We are looking to develop the site to provide some specialist accommodation, already there is great provision for photography and art and access to the running track and we're looking at vocational courses."

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman met with Mr Priestley after Sunnydale parents raised concerns about the new timetable.

She blamed 'ruthless' Government cuts for compounding the expensive problem of running a school over two sites.

She said: "While recognising the community benefits of the current situation I do understand that the school is acting to give the children the best chances.

“The specialist facilities at the Sunnydale campus, including the art and photography resources, the running track and RE teaching, will continue to be available to all students.

"Ofsted ensure that checks on the quality of teaching across both sites, including by senior and middle leaders, continue to be carried out with sufficient rigour so inconsistencies in teaching are ironed out swiftly so teaching and pupils’ outcomes improve at a faster rate."