Doubts have surfaced over plans for a new school because education leaders got their sums wrong.

Pupils from the former Goldstone Junior and Knoll Infant schools in Hove came together in name as Goldstone Primary in September.

But although they share a headteacher and wear the same uniforms the schools remain on two sites, in Laburnum Avenue and Stapley Road, separated by a 10-minute walk.

Education chiefs yesterday admitted it was unlikely work would start on a new all-through school in the next two years.

The original plan was to use capital raised from the sale of Knoll to developers to pay for the new building in Laburnum Avenue.

But the education authority realised guidelines stating that 40 per cent of new housing must be "affordable" would lower the site's value.

An application to the Government to cover the shortfall of several hundred thousand pounds was turned down earlier this month.

Headteacher Richard Sutton-Smith, appointed in September from Patcham Juniors to oversee the merger, said he was disappointed but optimistic money would be found.

He replaced the two previous headteachers and divides his time between the two sites. Extra money will ensure children's education does not suffer.

Mother-of-five Lesley Kate, whose son Adam, nine, and daughter Sophie, seven, go to the different sites, said: "We were led to believe this would all happen much more quickly. They should have waited until they knew they could afford it before going ahead with the merger."

Another mother said: "I was told two years ago this had all been agreed. Last year the plans were drawn up and we saw them.

"Then Mr Sutton-Smith was appointed and we all voted on a new name and a new logo. It all seemed to be going smoothly."

Mr Sutton-Smith said: "There was a basic understanding that we would be on one site in a couple of years, although there was never any clear deadline.

"There is a sense that it's going to happen but we no longer have a definite timetable. It's made for an uncertain future and has caused disappointment."

Councillor Pat Hawkes, the incoming chairman for children, families and schools at the city council, said she understood the parents' disappointment.

She added: "This has been something of a hiccup and we're working together to raise the money. We're determined we will get there."