A DUDLEY Headteacher says he feels "very let down" by Dudley Council, as his school loses out on £2 million worth of funding, after education officials "abandon" plans for his school to become an academy.

Just three months ago, Dudley Council announced exciting plans for its secondary schools as part of its Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and along with The Crestwood School, identified Holly Hall Mathematics and Computing College as an academy.

However, Graham Lloyd, head of Holly Hall, said he has been told his school is no longer in the running because their exam results are "too successful".

Castle High, which recently welcomed a visit from Tory leader, David Cameron, is thought to be lined up to take its place.

Following the announcement in December, Mr Lloyd began sourcing sponsorship for his school, and through his own hard work, managed to secure promises totalling £2 million, on the understanding the sponsors were backing an academy.

If the school is not granted academy status, all the money will be lost.

Mr Lloyd, said: "I managed to source sponsorship on my vision for the school's future, they were willing to buy into my vision alone.

"I have tried to use my initiative and my entrepreneurial skills to source this money from backers and I have put in a lot of work.

"If this doesn't happen I will personally be devastated.

"The school serves a disadvantaged area of central Dudley, but we have been told plans are no longer going ahead."

The decision has been handled by John Freeman, Dudley Council's Director of Children's Services and Liz Walker, cabinet member for Children's Services.

However Mr Lloyd said:"John Freeman and Liz Walker haven't had any dealings with our governors but have met with Castle High governors.

"Why after a few days of announcing our school as the academy have they gone to Castle High?

"We were named first, it would be a massive investment for us and for the community, but we are all feeling very let down by the council."

Under proposals for the academy, Holly Hall school would run and provide cheaper green energy to the local community, as well as providing training through partnerships, working closely with the police, social services, NHS and sports teams.

Dudley Council's Director of Children's Services, John Freeman, said: "The Schools Commissioner, has ruled that Holly Hall School is not eligible to become an academy.

"The council has therefore amended its proposals.

"It is just not true to say that we have 'abandoned' the school. Indeed, we are happy to say that we will support it in an application to become a Trust school now that becoming an academy has been ruled out."

Governors will be holding a public meeting for parents tonight (Wednesday 19) at 7.30pm at the Scotts Green Close school. Education officials have been invited but are not attending.