PUPILS studying for exams will not be disrupted when their school closes ahead of a merger this summer.

Tudhoe Grange School and Spennymoor School will be replaced by Whitworth Park School and Sixth Form in September.

It will occupy Spennymoor’s existing building and grounds which will undergo a multi-million pound redevelopment and extension.

To avoid any disruption to year ten pupils currently at Tudhoe Grange School they will continue to be based at its upper school site for one final year.

Headteacher Christine Warren said: "They will be pupils of the new school in every way but we feel this will minimise any disruption in an important year."