A CONTROVERSIAL free school that had its funding axed following a damning Oftsed report closed its doors for the final time today (Thursday, March 26), with devastated parents remaining loyal to the last.

Just 18 months after its opening assembly, Christian academy The Durham Free School (DFS) closed with a thanksgiving service.

As parents and pupils filed out of St Giles’ Church smart suited and solemn faced, the Reverend Canon Alan Bartlett said it felt “like a bereavement” and everyone connected with the school had his sympathy.

Many children cried as prayers were said, the school choir sang and awards were handed out.

However, acting headteacher Julian Eisner said the school was closing with a “sense of celebration” for all the children had achieved and thankfulness to staff and parents.

“It has been an incredibly traumatic time for our staff who have suffered personal abuse from a local MP (Pat Glass, who said the school had become a haven for every “crap” teacher in the North-East) and had their livelihoods threatened,” he said.

“They have been the consummate professionals throughout, behaving in an exemplary manner and always in the best interests of the children. It is a sad day.”

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan pulled the plug on DFS, which opened in the former Durham Gilesgate Sports College in September 2013, after Ofsted declared it failing across all areas and accused school leaders of tolerating racism, sexism and homophobia.

The school also found itself the centre of the national political debate over free schools, with Labour claiming its first term cost more than £25,000 per pupil.

Its 94 pupils across years seven and eight now face having to find new schools for the summer term. Durham County Council insists there are sufficient places available at good local schools, but many parents disagree and some are considering home schooling.

They remain furious Ms Morgan ignored Ofsted’s verdict that the school had potential to improve and considered taking the Department for Education to court in a bid to save the school, but abandoned their campaign after taking legal advice.

Governors are awaiting the outcome of several Freedom of Information requests and parent Jennifer Denning has again written to Ms Morgan to highlight the school’s “unfair” treatment.

The school was set up by parents wanting a Christian secondary to serve communities south-east of Durham City. A permanent site in that area was never delivered.

Focus will now switch to the future of the Gilesgate plot, a prime housing site.