SOME secondary schools in Darlington are likely to face closure or merger during the next ten to 15 years because of falling pupil numbers, a council report has revealed.

Because of an estimated surplus of 1,433 places, some secondary schools' rolls will fall to below 600.

The report, by Darlington Borough Council director of education Geoff Pennington, said standards would be reduced if the council maintained too many small schools.

He said: "During the period of falling rolls, popular and successful schools will continue to be full at the expense of other schools, creating surpluses in two or three schools."

But he added: "Early identification of a school for combining with others will lead to a flight of pupils and staff, and place the school in a spiral of decline."

A council spokesman said last night that a "massive" consultation would be carried out before any decisions were made, and that any closures could be as long as 15 years away.

The report said Haughton School, which is being rebuilt as the first "education village" in the UK, and voluntary-aided Carmel Technology College, would not face closure.

Mr Pennington said: "All schools should be rebuilt as opposed to refurbished and, where a new school was to be created by combining two schools, resited if possible."

Last night, Terry Bladen, president of teaching union the NASUWT, supported the council's decision not to name any schools being considered for closure.

He said: "I think it would lead to a lot of anxiety for the schools involved.

"We will be seeking reassurance that there will be no compulsory redundancies."

The report will be noted by councillors at a meeting of the lifelong learning scrutiny committee on Monday.

The review of education provision and falling pupil numbers is part of the council's bid for Government cash to rebuild and refurbish secondary schools.