THREE Barnsley schools have been told they are failing and will be put in Ofsted's most serious category 'special measures', the Chronicle has learned.

Secondary schools Darton High and Darfield Foulstone and primary school Darfield Valley were inspected last week.

Reports are not yet available but inspectors have to tell schools their findings at the end of the inspections, and the Chronicle understands all three have been told they are in special measures.

Once confirmed in the reports, it would give the local authority the power to step in and appoint new governors or withdraw the school's budget.

The picture shows Darton headteacher Simon Hill.

• Full story and special report in this week's Chronicle.