A SHOCK government decision has left a question mark over the future of a Blackburn high school.

St Wilfrid's High School was hoping for cash under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme to help fund a multi-million move from its crumbling buildings. But a letter from the Department of Education and Employment was sent to the school yesterday saying other projects had been given priority and funding will have to come from new sources.

The school has been grant maintained since 1993, but has opted to go back under local authority control at the start of the next academic year.

St Wilfrid's' has been looking to move from its current site for more than five years. It is divided over two sites and many of its buildings are crumbling and in a poor state of repair. An OFSTED report earlier this year said education at the school was of a high standard, but the condition of buildings was starting to affect standards.

The school has spent years looking at a series of options and the latest setback is a massive blow.

A move to a purpose-built campus on playing fields in Feniscliffe was blocked four years ago after local residents mounted a huge campaign. And a proposed switch out of the borough also failed after the project was labelled too costly and ambitious. The school applied for cash under the PFI and looked to be making real progress with the help of local MP Jack Straw.

By the time Mr Straw was appointed Home Secretary, St Wilfrid's was given Pathfinder Status, which meant extra grants and a greater chance of being selected for funding.

More than £200,000 has been spent looking at various options under the PFI initiative and the Department of Education and Employment's decision has come as a major blow.

All Government funding for education has been allocated until the end of the year 2002.

John Leigh, chairman of St Wilfrid's governors, said: "This is obviously a big disappointment for governors, staff, parents and pupils alike.

"Now that the school is reverting to aided status we shall be looking to strengthen our partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council and to seek their advice and support in planning for the longer term needs of the school." Acting head David Whyte, said. "St Wilfrid's has a very clear mission statement and objectives and the lack of available government funding means that money will have to be spent on existing facilities and structures.

"We are trying at the moment to implement the Ofsted inspectors' recommendations, a task which would be simplified if we had up-to-date premises and facilities."

Blackburn with Darwen's education and training chairman Bill Taylor, said: "We are disappointed with this news considering the state of the school buildings, but we will continue with the Diocese of Blackburn, the governing body of the school and other partners to secure the provision of an appropriate high quality learning environment for the pupils at St Wilfrid's."

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