GOVERNMENT red tape has left the future of Liverpool’s only grammar school in limbo, a Daily Post investigation can reveal.

In 2005, the Diocese of Liverpool asked the government to rule on whether the Blue Coat school, in Wavertree, should go into the church sector.

But, four years on, the Daily Post has learned it could be years before the Blue Coat’s future is decided.

Last night, the Department of Children, Schools and Families said “the views of all concerned parties” had been considered but “no decision” had been taken.

The Department was unable to give any indication when a ruling may be forthcoming .

This is despite the school being told in January, 2007, that it would get a decision within three months.

The Government is still weighing up whether to review the religious designation regulations of all schools.

The Diocese’s controversial takeover bid was based on a 1708 founding document which states the school should offer “religious instruction.”

The church has insisted it would not attempt to make any changes to the school’s religious education programme.

But officials and parents of the 300-year-old school united to oppose the move wanting to retain its “all religions” tradition and believing there was no benefit in academic terms.