How many men does it take to repair a window? At least two when contractors Jarvis are around, according to those at Varndean School in Brighton.

Even if the caretaker is on the spot, someone from the firm has to be phoned up to authorise it.

This is just one of the claims made in damning reports leaked to The Argus after the company's first year in control.

A diary kept by head Andy Schofield tells of constant trouble with the company, which began from the moment it failed to complete building work in time for the start of term.

Students and governors have said in no uncertain terms how upset they are.

It is not just a question of the poor service. There have been a morale-sapping and time-consuming series of meetings, which have dominated the academic year.

It is sad to hear a successful and sensible head such as Mr Schofield say much of what the school has been trying to do has been frustrated.

This firm was brought in as part of an initiative, which also involves three other secondary schools in Brighton.

The Government and, to some extent, Brighton and Hove City Council loudly trumpeted the virtues of private finance initiatives before the results had been seen in practice.

They admit there have been problems and say they are working hard to sort them out. But this is one school report no one would want to show to their parents - or their paymasters.