A free school in Radlett that was meant to open in September has announced they have not secured a site in time.

Harperbury Free School was due to open last September in the grounds of the former Harperbury Hospital in Harper Lane.

Schools’ minister Lord Nash announced in February 2013 the Department for Education had failed to secure the site in time, meaning its opening would be delayed for a year.

The Education Funding Agency announced last November it had secured the site from the Department of Health on behalf of the Harperbury Free School Trust - and the school was due to open in September.

However, a temporary site has not been secured in time for opening.

A statement from the school said: “Securing a site for this school has been more difficult than any of us could possibly have envisaged.

“Although the Harperbury Hospital site was indeed acquired for us in October 2014, long-held concerns surrounding the planning risk of building on Green Belt land have again unfortunately resulted in a failure to secure a suitable site for use this September.

“The EFA has been looking at alternative sites, but there is little chance of getting the degree of certainty needed to give the go-ahead for work to begin on a temporary site in time for this September.”

Parents affected have been advised to contact the Hertfordshire Admissions department.

School leaders will meet with officials in late May, following the General Election, to re-evaluate plans.

The statement added: “It is with great regret and deep sadness that we have been forced to relinquish our dream of opening a truly distinctive school for our area this year.”