THE closure of a Tyneside school that failed an Ofsted inspection has been confirmed.
Lemington Middle School, which was put in special measures, will close in July next year because of falling pupil numbers.
An independent adjudicator appointed by the Education Secretary has agreed with the decision of Newcastle City Council's school organisation committee.
The committee, which includes church representatives, councillors and school governors, voted for closure, but not unanimously, so the issue was passed to the Government.
The adjudicator has agreed to the closure of Lemington and the expansion of the Waverley, West Denton and Lemington first schools to become primary schools.
Pupils will stay on until 11 instead of transferring to a middle school at nine.
Philip Turner, Newcastle City Council's education director, said: "The local education authority has worked hard to support Lemington Middle School and recognises that improvements have been made by the headteacher and teaching staff."
But he added: "In the light of the current position, with falling pupil numbers, the closure of Lemington Middle School is regrettably the only realistic option."
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