years behind schedule.

This was revealed last night by the chairman of the school's board of governors Calvin White during a general meeting of the Berkeley Educational Society.

Mr. White said a number of events had made the original completion date of December, 2000 unattainable.

"The most significant of these developments has been the opening of the CedarBridge School and the knowledge gained from the actual operations since the opening date,'' he explained. "Experience at CedarBridge has dictated a revision of the assumptions upon which the Berkeley design was predicated.'' Mr. White added that to proceed with the new designs without factoring in the knowledge gained from CedarBridge would be "reckless''.

The school plans to build on the 7.42-acre Ridgeway property across the street from the present site, allowing construction to take place without disrupting classes at the existing school.

He predicted that the new completion date for the school, which will accommodate some 750 students, will be "in the region of September, 2003''.

Mr. White could not predict what impact the delay will have on the school itself but said discussions were now underway with the Education Ministry.

And he promised the audience that he will keep them abreast of developments -- possibly returning with news in the new year.

He also predicted that the hold-up would not affect the school's quality of education.

"The quality Berkeley has produced has not solely depended on the physical plant,'' Mr. White said. "I believe the legacy that Berkeley has will continue to be a drawing card.''