A TOP-PERFORMING village school has called in consultants to examine its options for the future - as rumours about its potential closure continue to circulate.

Fears have been expressed about the future of Hurworth School Maths and Computing College, as Darlington Borough Council carries out a major review of education provision in the area.

The review was launched in response to falling pupil numbers, and council officials said at least one secondary school may have to close as a result.

Despite its strong academic record and involvement in national education initiatives, Hurworth has been rumoured to be a candidate for closure.

The suggestion was sparked mainly because of the value of the land on which the school stands being considerably more than any other site, while only 150 students from a pupil population of about 650 live in the village.

But governors and senior staff have pledged to battle all the way to safeguard the school's future.

The governing body has appointed consultant Richard Knott to consider the school's prospects.

He addressed this week's meeting of Hurworth parish council, telling them he had to produce a report for governors by mid-May.

Mr Knott said: "The exercise I'm engaged in is not about recommending closure.

"The governors have asked me to look at a range of options to see how the school might develop in future."

He said the size and location of the school were key features that could have an impact on its future.

The council also discussed its possible expansion to accommodate a sixth form.

Mr Knott said: "That is a question of competition and whether a school like Hurworth could offer the same range that the sixth form college in the town has.

"What the governors have said to me is: we want to safeguard Hurworth School for the immediate future and beyond."

Councillor Ian Black said: "People pay a premium to come and live in this village, in the hope that they can send their children to Hurworth School.

"The village would be deeply, deeply saddened if this school had to close for any reason."

Parish council chairman Clive Bullock said: "It is a very popular school.

"There is no problem recruiting pupils for Hurworth School like there maybe for the town schools."

Eamonn Farrar, the chief executive of the Hurworth-Eastbourne schools' federation, said: "There has been a lot of speculation about the future of Hurworth School and we find it quite odd, since we feel we're doing so well."