A private school in Wantage has been thwarted in its plans to move to a new site in the town to accommodate more pupils.

St Andrew's School, in Wallingford Street, wanted to move to a new site in Newbury Street, which it was to share with its sister school, St Mary's School.

But the move was blocked by Oxfordshire County Council planning and highways officers, who raised objections about vehicle access to the St Mary's site, and about renovation work needed on listed buildings at St Mary's to accommodate the new pupils.

Demand for places at St Andrew's School, which caters for children up to 11, is stronger than ever, and governors were hoping to complete the move over the summer holidays.

The new location would allow school numbers at St Andrew's to increase from 85 pupils to about 120.

The move would also have allowed pupils better access to science and sports facilities at St Mary's. The officers' decision means the relocation has been postponed to summer 2003 at the earliest, to see if the schools can overcome the objections.

Sue Sowden, headmistress of St Mary's, which has 200 pupils aged from 11 to 18, said: "While we are frustrated by the delays, we give priority to the educational needs and safety of the children.

"Our advisers are working to find a solution. Our paramount consideration is to provide the best facilities and education for the children.

"The governors are meeting in June to consider the best way forward."

Chris Bullmore, development director of both schools, said: "With hindsight, the governors were perhaps over-optimistic about the timescale needed for the refurbishment of the listed St Mary's buildings."