Sixth-form merger hits snag

National and Holgate wanted to set up the joint centre at the former International Clothing Centre (ICC) on Annesley Road, which they thought would be an ideal location.

But it has now come to light that Notts County Council, who own the ICC, are bound by rules which say they cannot transfer the site to the schools from a different council department.

An auction must instead take place for the ICC, to be sold to the highest bidder, and this will be held next Friday.

The Learning and Skills Council would have been prepared to offer a multi-million pound grant for the project – but only if the site had been bought and given planning consent.

Holgate head teacher Phil Crompton said: "It is all very frustrating but continued co-operation with National is high on our agenda."

The head teacher at National, Dr John Edwards, said: "We are obviously very disappointed but we will keep working together with Holgate to raise Hucknall's educational profile."