OXFORDSHIRE'S education chief has reacted to news that the United Learning Trust (ULT) will no longer provide sponsorship for a proposed academy at Oxford School.

The trust has informed ministers it will no longer sponsor the plans for the Glanville Road school, to enable it to focus on its existing academies, which include North Oxfordshire Academy.

Cllr Michael Waine, the council's cabinet member for school's improvement, said: "Oxfordshire County Council's aim remains the improvement in educational attainment of young people at Oxford School and the part of East Oxford it serves and reversing the year on year falling roll of a school which is not proving to be first choice of its community.

"The county council submitted an expression of interest in an academy in the late summer and had to wait until mid November for approval. The council also waited a long time for the Interim Executive Board for school - ratified a matter of days ago.

"Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said as recently as mid November that he had no problem with ULT acting as a sponsor for a proposed academy.

"Having allowed the process to go so far down the line with so many Government delays it is now strange that a U-turn has occurred.

"The council will await promised advice from Government officials with regard to a potential new sponsor. Mr Coaker has made clear that he remains a supporter of the concept of an academy at Oxford School.

"ULT continues to make strong progress at the North Oxfordshire Academy."