Campaigners are delighted by the decision

Howey School near Llandrindod Wells is one of a number earmarked for closure by Powys Council.

But Education Minister Jane Hutt has said she will not be able to make her decision on the school until after the local government elections in May.

The school will remain open until August 2009, the chairman of governors Les Davies confirmed.

Mr Davies, a Powys County Councillor, said they were "delighted" by the temporary reprieve but must now await the minister's decision on the school's long term future.

"At the moment the decision is with the minister and our objections (to the school's closure) are with the minister," said Mr Davies.

The reprieve also follows the council's decision to build a new �2.5m school for pupils at nearby Newbridge-on-Wye which was announced on Wednesday.

Building work in Newbridge-on-Wye is expected to start later this year.

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said: "A decision has not yet been made on the proposed closure of Howey School.

"New issues have arisen in relation to building work at Newbridge School and we are awaiting further information from Powys Council on this. When we have received this information, the Education Minister will consider the issues.

"Due to the local government elections, the Minister will be unable to make her decision public until after the elections.

"Whatever the decision, the school can't close this summer."