THE row over the future of a high-performing school rumbled on this week, as governors pledged to fight to seek independence from Darlington Borough Council.

The authority is keen to bring Hurworth and Eastbourne schools together in a £25m, 1,200-pupil city academy at the top end of Yarm Road.

But the plans have sparked uproar in Hurworth, where governors are battling to expand their school to 900 pupils and secure foundation status, which would give greater freedom from the council.

At a meeting for parents on Wednesday night, chairman of governors Sam Jameson condemned the council's rejection of the expansion proposals.

She also urged town hall chiefs to drop their "crazy" Church of England-sponsored academy plan.

However, the authority's stance has been given a double boost with the backing of Darlington Association of Governors and the town's National Union of Teachers (NUT) secretary.

The governing body and Mowden Infant School headteacher Chris Taylor both offered their support.

But Hurworth governors are furious with what they believe are the council's efforts to steamroller the project through.

Mrs Jameson told parents: "If we do decide to become a foundation school, it should be noted that Hurworth has no desire to become isolated from the rest of the schools and partnerships in the town.

"We are firmly committed to the family of schools in Darlington and all its existing partnerships, and would remain actively engaged within them."

Staff representatives vowed to unanimously reject the council's proposals.

However, the authority has found backing from the governors' association.

In a statement, it said: "After a full discussion, the management committee agreed to continue their support of an expression of interest in the proposal for an academy.

"We would encourage the council and Hurworth School governors to resume their discussions for the benefit of education in Darlington."

Mowden headteacher Mr Taylor said: "The record of the Church of England in respect of these matters is impeccable."