A feasibility study has backed Redland Court playing fields in Bristol as the site for a new secondary school in the city.

Bristol city council commissioned the study to investigate two sites - Redland and Stoke Lodge - looking at planning issues, access and environmental impact.

Education officials in the city say the study's conclusions demonstrate that the site at Redland is almost certainly the most practical location.

Last year, the city council agreed to build a new school in north Bristol.

Lockleaze School will close by 2004

The new facility will cater for almost 1,000 11 to 16-year-old students, 400 post-16 students, 50 pupils with severe learning difficulties, as well as 50 hearing-impaired pupils.

The study said there were no insurmountable planning restrictions on the Redland site, while difficulties at the Stoke Lodge location. included loss of open space and the presence of a listed building.

Peter Hammond, deputy leader with responsibility for education and lifelong learning said: "Building a new school in north Bristol is a vital part of our programme to transform secondary education.

"The consultations and discussions we have had with local people demonstrate that there is an urgent need to provide more secondary places in this part of Bristol.

Independent experts

"Redland appears to be the frontrunner and officers will focus the next stage of their research on the Redland site."

Lawrence Weston school closed last July, as part of the education shake-up after a panel of independent experts approved its closure.

The 40-year-old school was originally intended to accommodate about 1,000 pupils but had been educating just 300.

Lockleaze School will close by 2004.