The council has assured equally-vexed headteacher Nigel Pattinson that the council's BSF (Building Schools for the Future) Programme proposals were merely "badly worded".

A statement that the existing Armthorpe School site would be redeveloped "to accommodate the 11 to 16 cohort, with post-16 provision to be provided in partnership with Danum School" set alarm bells ringing.

The school is currently planned as an 11-18 years Foundation Trust establishment.

Mr Pattinson said: "I was furious about the implications within this at first, as were the governors.

"We are already in consultation as regards the Trust status, and the wording in this report – that I understand to have been written by two project managers within Doncaster Council – was erroneous.

"Armthorpe is seen as the fastest improving school in Doncaster, and it would be madness to undermine that level of progress.

"I was very cross about the whole document, and I have had two meetings with Steve Chew, the Specialist Director of Education Standards, since reading it."

But Mr Pattinson said: "I am now assured that the whole authority is keen to work with the school, that we will keep our traditional sixth form but that its provision will expand to include more vocational courses such as engineering or catering".

Chair of governors Sally Shearman said that, while not doubting Mr Pattinson's report on his meeting with Mr Chew, the governors now want to hear the assurances from the director in person.

The governors have arranged a special meeting with Mr Chew, at the end of January.

Ms Shearman said: "We are angry at the complete lack of consultation on this, after all the discussion that has already taken place, and want to discuss our concerns with Mr Chew face to face.

"We need to know the full facts. We have a high performing sixth form and we are very proud of it and want to protect it. I can say little else until after our meeting."

Mr Pattinson added: "We currently are the only school offering A-level computing in Doncaster.

"There are 80 youngsters taking advantage of A-level provision at Danum and Armthorpe schools, and moving freely between them. That won't change."

But more exciting change could be on the way, said Mr Pattinson, with discussion opening once again on the possibility of continuous education in Armthorpe, with ages three to 19-year-olds based on the same site.

The idea was touted before, when Paul Prest – now succeeded by Sharon Faulkner – was headteacher at Shaw Wood Primary School.

"Discussions are ongoing to open this debate up much wider than previously," added Mr Pattinson.

The Armthorpe School has achieved national recognition for its improved GCSE and A-level results, that are consistently in the top 10 per cent of the country – with an upward trend.

Among the school's noted strengths is its provision for special educational needs, and autistic youngsters in particular.

"There is a long way to go with BSF and we will continue to meet with governors and the head of Danum School to ensure the best possible outcome," said Mr Pattinson.

Armthorpe School is number two on the Doncaster-wide priority list of schools to be refurbished or rebuilt, behind Northcliffe.

But it's Status Quo in some ways!

A NEW face in Armthorpe School drummed up plenty of enthusiasm from students... when ex-Status Quo drummer Jeff Rich rolled up to run a drum and percussion masterclass!

Kids learned all about drums, from their humble African beginnings to the huge variety of instruments on offer now throughout the world, together with all the lowdown on the music business as it is today.

Then the rock wannabees were able to have a bang crash wallop or two themselves...

Headteacher Nigel Pattinson said: "This was a change from the usual curriculum and was very successful.

The pupils knew of Status Quo, because they're still on the go, and their parents had grown up with them too.

"What was amazing was that they all knew Jeff – but he had also heard of our own drummer Cameron Farrell, who has now got a national profile!

"Jeff was very interested to see how Cameron is doing."

Cameron made a name for himself on the Britain's Got Talent show.

Although Simon Cowell was not convinced he would go far, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden were staunch supporters.

Jeff, 55, left the Quo in 2000 after 15 years with the band, and is now "rockin' all over the world" with his 90-minute drum classes.