Only 13% of its pupils get 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, while the national average is 50%.

The city council plans to either transform it into a City Academy at a cost of �20m, or to build a brand new school run by the government.

The NUT said ideas had been "plonked" on teachers and one parent said any changes were too late for her son.

No amount of money is going to make a difference when teachers do not want to come to the school with such a bad reputation Anne Marie Cronogue, parent of New College pupil

New College was formed five years ago and heralded as a "superschool" but has since been wracked by poor results and low morale.

Deputy Leader of the council, Michael Johnson, agreed that the school had so far failed.

He said: "Unfortunately it has (been a disaster) but basically what we are going to do is change it and improve it.

"With the help of government initiatives, we now have the options of either a major refurbishment or an entirely new school."

He added: "We believe that the buildings are important, that the children have to be given the right conditions to learn in."

Anne Marie Cronogue's son has just left the college and she still has a daughter there.

'No consultation'

She said: "No amount of money is going to make a difference when teachers do not want to come to the school with such a bad reputation."

"I really do feel it has failed my son."

Peter Flack, from the NUT, said: "We are absolutely horrified at what the city council is doing here.

"There was no consultation with governors, this proposal was simply plonked on them on Wednesday and they were expected to comment.

"The head teacher knew nothing about it, this is a new head who has just been brought in.

"Plans are drawn up for the future of the school and he is not told about it."

Mr Flack said the council must concentrate on reducing class sizes and supporting staff.