ONE of the region’s oldest schools could disappear as part of a shake-up of education services.

King James I Community Arts College, where comic Stan Laurel once studied, may be merged with nearby Bishop Barrington school to form a super-campus in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

Dwindling pupil numbers and outdated buildings are behind the move that is part of a £400m investment across the county.

In a separate plan proposed by the county council’s education department, a trust would be set up between the merged school, St John’s Catholic School and Bishop Auckland College, to operate a joint curriculum.

Headteachers welcomed the plans and said students would benefit from more choice at post-16 and GCSE level.

Stephen Rodchester, head at 400-year-old King James I college, said: “The idea of both schools coming together is an exciting opportunity and it will transform education for the community of Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area.”

Bruce Guthrie, head at Bishop Barrington, said: “This will increase opportunities for older pupils and prepare them better for the challenges they face in the 21st Century.”

Three possible sites are being examined, though plans may change after a period of public consultation, which begins on Monday.

These centre on the existing King James and Bishop Barrington sites and land close to Bishop Auckland College.

If given the final goahead, the super-school would house 1,670 students.

Barbara Laurie, former mayor of the town, said it would be sad to lose part of the town’s heritage.

She said: “There has to be a shake-up of education in the town because of falling pupil numbers, but I think history is important.”

She added that Lord Armstrong, a leading figure in the Tyneside shipbuilding industry, was educated at Bishop Barrington.

Councillor Claire Vasey, county cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said the authority could save money.

She said: “Replacing two schools with one larger one will mean better value for money as we could direct resources towards improved facilities and equipment instead of spending money on building repairs and maintenance.”

Meetings for parents and carers will take place at Bishop Barrington on Wednesday and King James I on Thursday, both at 6.30pm.

A community meeting will take place at Auckland Castle on Wednesday, October 22, at 7pm.

For more information or to share your views, contact Durham County Council on 0191-383-4555.