THE proposed chief executive of the country's first schools federation has moved to allay fears that pupils could be taught by video link-ups.

The Northern Echo reported yesterday how teachers in one school could be teaching classes in another using the advanced video technology.

It is being considered by education chiefs behind a £2m project to create a federation of Hurworth and Eastbourne Schools, in Darlington, which would see them sharing staff, facilities and equipment.

The federation could come into existence from September, if ratified by governors.

Hurworth headteacher Eamonn Farrar, who would be its chief executive, said a video link was only one of several ways information technology could be used to enhance learning for pupils.

"All schools across the country are looking at the potential for information technology to improve the quality of teaching and learning," he said.

"But we're not going to pick it up just for the sake of it. The impression that there would be classes of 30 children learning like this is wrong.

"We have a top-class record and will not run with anything that doesn't add value."

The Department for Education and Skills is funding the scheme, which would initially run for three years.

It will see a new building at Hurworth and the refurbishment of Eastbourne School, as well as more teachers being employed.