A South Bristol school facing closure under the citywide Primary Review wants everyone to know it is business as usual for the time being.

St Pius X Catholic Primary in Withywood will remain open until at least 2011 – and the campaign to save it goes on.

The school says staff and pupil numbers have remained stable since the decision to shut it was taken in January.

It has 19 children due to start in the reception class in September.

But head teacher Tony Halloran and governors are concerned continuing uncertainty over the school's future could damage morale and affect attainment.

They are calling on the city council to come up with a definite timetable.

The authority says this has been held up because no proposals can be put forward to close the school until alternative places have been found for all the pupils.

This involves talking to the Catholic diocese to ensure all those who want faith schooling can have it.

The discussions are linked with plans in the review to expand the next nearest Catholic school, Christ the King in Knowle West.

Mr Halloran said: "We have been told the decision to close was a strategic one and there will be further consultation on the proposal to shut the school.

"But we need to know when that will take place.

"There may be families who are reluctant to put their children into St Pius because they think we are about to close.

"But some of our neighbouring schools are full, and we have places available.

"Children have the chance of at least two years' schooling here, and all our children will be guaranteed places at other schools if and when a closure decision is made."

Proposals to shut St Pius and two other primaries were announced last May.

The school was said to have a high number of surplus places.

But its supporters said the school had increased pupil numbers by 50 per cent – from 80 to 120 – and had seen big improvements in results. Parents and children praised the atmosphere and benefits of being a smaller school.

The Bishop of Clifton, the Rt Rev Declan Lang, is leading opposition to the closure and has written again to the council.

Many families say Christ the King is too far away – more than two miles.

Ian McNiff, diocesan director of education, said until formal consultation on closure was carried out, the assumption was that the school was remaining open.

"The diocese is continuing to work with the school so it can build on its recent success and continue to offer high quality Catholic education at St Pius," he said.

City council spokeswoman Katharine de Lisle said: "We need to firm up plans for the expansion of Christ the King before we can agree the timetable for the planned closure of St Pius. There will be a further period of consultation as part of the legal process for closure."