TWO long-serving headteachers are being axed under plans to shake up secondary education in Burnley and Pendle.

Adrian Lythgoe, head at Barden High School, Burnley, and Martin Burgess, head at Nelson's Edge End High, have not been chosen to take charge of any of the eight new schools proposed under the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Both men were told on Friday afternoon they would not be given headships and they are now considering their next career moves.

A third headteacher, John Tat of St Theodore's RC High School, will also not form part of the new make-up, but had already been given a headship outside the area before the selection process for the new posts.

Mr Burgess, who has been head at Edge End High School for 12 years, said today he was saddened by the decision -- although privately he is believed to be furious - and was taking action through his union.

He said: "I am very sad that I have not been appointed to the headteacher post for School A within the Building Schools for the Future project.

"However, what will be will be and I wish the new head and soon to be appointed staff of that school all the best for the future. It is too important a project to fail.

"For my own position, matters are in the hands of my professional association."

Dr Lythgoe, head at Barden for the past six years, said he was considering whether to apply for another position in the new set-up.

He added: "I am disappointed not to get one of the posts, but I wish those who have been appointed all the best. It is too early to say what I will do now, but I am happy to stay in post and oversee the changes."

John Tat, who had been running a campaign to keep a Roman Catholic sixth-form in the BSF programme, said part of the reason he chose a new school was because it had a Catholic sixth form.

He said he supported the BSF scheme but did want to see increased choice by keeping a Catholic sixth form in the area.

He added: "Time will tell if they could have done it differently. You can always draw up different plans to prove, yes, it could have been done differently but it was an opportunity certainly for the Catholic schools to retain their provision to 18.

"I will be very sorry to leave St Theodore's. It's a lovely school to work with and I have been fortunate to work with so many talented pupils, dedicated staff and supportive parents. It's always sad to leave a school."

Ken Cridland, branch secretary for the National Union of Teachers, said: "This will certainly help concentrate the minds of other staff that reorganisation is now taking place, although we are hoping that can take place without any compulsory redundancies.

"We are in support of the scheme because something had to be done. It is just unfortunate that it could not be done without some being disappointed."

Eight new secondary schools are planned for Burnley and Nelson, replacing the existing structure of 11, under the Building Schools for the Future programme. The sixth forms at Habergham High School and St Theodore's will also shut and be replaced by a new multi-faith community college planned for a site in the Barden area.

All of the current headteachers will continue in post in the 11 existing schools until August 2006, when the new schools will operate.

Possible reorganisation of the four other secondary schools in Colne and Barnoldswick will be considered when details of BSF funding in later years are announced.

The scheme will be discussed and possibly approved at a meeting of the School's Organisation Committee on March 17.

County Councillor Alan Whittaker, Cabinet Member for Education, said: "I am delighted that the temporary governing bodies have all selected their headteachers from current schools in the area.

"This will ensure continuity and will build on the excellent work they have already undertaken to lay firm foundations for the new schools.

"The education of youngsters across Burnley and Pendle will not be compromised and we have taken every step to ensure minimum disruption."