A MAJOR question mark is hanging over a South Tyne  school.

Falling pupil numbers at Herdley Bank C of E Primary School at Coanwood are causing such concern that parents are to be asked to consider the school‘s future.

Chairman of governors Alan Sharp said  the governors will be consulting parents and other community stakeholders beginning in September 2015, in order to establish how  its pupils can continue to benefit from the best available education  ”whether at Herdley Bank or at another school in the area.“

The formal consultation will include a public meeting, and Coun Sharp said: “ We will be  pleased to hear all views about the future educational provision for the pupils at Herdley Bank.“

Coun. Sharp said parents were given an informal opportunity to meet governors last week at Herdley Bank, which is part of the West Tyne Federation of Schools, alongside primaries at Whitfield, Henshaw and Greenhead. 

Despite the uncertainty, the  it will be business as usual when the school re-opens for the new term in September.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Newcastle stressed that the consultation has been initiated by the governing body, and not the diocese or the local authority. 

He added: ”The local authority and the diocese will provide whatever support the school needs as our primary role is to ensure every child receives the best education they can. It is too early to speculate on the outcome of any consultation.“