Many parents, teachers and governors are worried about the changes and fear the county's 45 middle schools could be lost to a two-tier education system.

Northumberland County Council says it needs �250m to combat crumbling sites and falling pupil numbers.

A decision in principle is expected next month.

It is claimed there is little evidence to show that two-tier education can improve on the three-tier structure.

Parents and pupils from Corbridge held a demonstration on Tuesday urging council bosses to rethink closures.

A group from neighbouring Meadowdale Middle School in Bedlington were also due to present a 2,000-name petition to the annual meeting of Northumberland County Council on Wednesday.

Council bosses say some closures may be needed to deal with more than 7,000 surplus school places.