Plans to merge two York schools have been delayed

The plan was to merge Lowfield and Oaklands schools following a drop in pupil numbers.

Another option was to have the merger and make Manor School larger but all plans have now been frozen until 2005.

City council education director Patrick Scott said: "I made clear that we would not take these proposals any further until we could guarantee the funding."

Business as usual

The Local Education Authority has confirmed that admission arrangements for September 2005 will operate as normal.

Mr Scott said: "While none of the schools have welcomed the uncertainty that has been created by this review, they have all managed to make sure that, for the children, it is business as usual."

However, funding has been made available from Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund for new community sports facilities at the Oaklands site.

The scheme will include a new synthetic pitch, a climbing wall and a new dance studio, as well as significant improvements to the changing facilities and foyer.