EDUCATION chiefs have failed to find a new head for the troubled Hatters Lane School, which will close in August and reopen in September under the Government's Fresh Start Scheme.

But they have agreed a new name - Highcrest School - chosen by the pupils. And they are putting in a bid to the Department for Education and Employment for £3 million to spend on improvements to the school under Fresh Start, Government money to help failing schools

Only two candidates for the headship at the school in Hatters Lane, High Wycombe, turned up for interview last week and neither was suitable. There were several inquiries when the highly paid post was advertised, but few turned into applications and only six people were short-listed.

The search has to start all over again, says county councillor Mike Appleyard, Buckinghamshire County Council's cabinet member for schools.

He has persuaded acting head Tina Barnes to stay in post until a permanent head can be found.

Mrs Barnes, who came from Great Marlow School after the previous Hatters Lane head went on long-term sick leave just before the school's disastrous Ofsted inspection, had intended to take early retirement in the summer.

Labour county councillor Julia Wassell (Lab, Keep Hill and Hicks Farm), is the new chairman of the governors.