THE GOVERNMENT has stepped in to save an Accrington school's plan to create an £8million sixth-form centre.

In November St Christopher's CE High School prompted opposition when it announced its intention to open the sixth form.

Accrington schools Mount Carmel, Hollins Technology College and Moorhead, Norden High School, Rishton, and Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School, Oswaldtwistle, all objected, insisting it could have a "destabilising and damaging effect" and lead to other colleges, such as St Mary's in Blackburn, not having enough A-level students to make some courses viable.

Lancashire County Council's education boss, Coun Alan Whittaker, was also urged by his own officers to object to the plans for the same reasons.

But those behind the plan look to have side-stepped the critics thanks to the intervention of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

The government department confirmed the school's examination results over the past five years met the criteria for "High Performing Specialist School."

Schools receiving the status are put on a fast-track to open their own sixth forms and do not have to take into account the views of other schools or the local education authority. The proposal would still have to formally be approved in March by The Schools Organisation Committee which represents bodies including the local authority, Learning and Skills Council, churches and governing bodies.

But this should be a formality as the government recommends that schools with such status are favoured by the committee.

Headteacher Alasdair Coates (left) said the school's thoughts had now turned to funding.

Ten per cent of it has been secured from the Church of England and the rest is due to come from the government-run Learning and Skills Council.

But as the school is scheduled for re-designation in 2008 it will not be able to apply for the cash until 2008 unless the DfES gives permission.

Mr Coates said: "We are delighted to overcome one hurdle but now we are engaging with the government to overcome the other."

The centre would initially cater for around 32 A-level subjects based on demand with courses ranging from further maths to theatre studies.

Facilities would include a drama studio, library, small gym, common room and nursery provision as part of a bid to be an asset for whole of the community.