The consultation on the size of the school has yet to go ahead

In November 2002, the city council announced that Fairfield School would be rebuilt on the site of St Thomas More's Catholic school in Horfield.

The first pupils at the new school were initially expected from September 2004.

But pupils are now expected to move en masse in September 2005, with building work on the site beginning in Autumn 2003.

1,000 students

The council says the way in which Fairfield School will be accommodated on the site is still being worked out.

The consultation process on the actual size of the school - and revised catchment area - has also yet to go ahead.

Councillor Peter Hammond said: "It is in the interests of all the pupils and staff concerned that we press ahead with the development of the new expanded school as quickly as possible.

"There has been overwhelming parental backing for the move and task now is to work out the interim arrangements."

The owners of St Thomas More school plan to build a joint Catholic and Church of England School in South Gloucestershire.