A free school told by the Department of Education it would be unable to open ready for the next academic year is holding a public meeting to discuss its future.

Harperbury Free School was set to open for its first cohort of 194 Year 7s in Harpers Lane in Radlett in September.

But last week it heard the Department for Education had failed to secure it a permanent site in time, and has refused to allow it to move to temporary site, meaning it will now open in September 2015.

The school's management will hold a public meeting at the Chapel in Shenley Park, Shenley on Thursday from 7.30pm.

Up for discussion will be whether the Department of Education’s decision can be overturned, the implications of the delay for families who have applied for 2014 places, and what will happen in 2015.

The headteacher Martin Blain and chairman of governors Clive Glover will be there to try and answer questions. They have invited a representative from the Department of Education.