Gymnast is refused school place

Nicole has her eyes on the 2012 Olympics in London

A 12-year-old gymnast whose family moved across England to attend a top sports centre has been told there is no room for her at a local school.

Nicole Pavier is aiming to qualify for the Olympics in 2012 in London.

She wanted to attend Rushcliffe Comprehensive in Nottinghamshire as it is close to the East Midlands Gymnastic Centre, but the school is full.

Nottinghamshire County Council said it had offered her places at three other schools, with free transport.

Nicole's mother Caroline Pavier said she was angry as the family had moved 140 miles (225km) from Bristol to be close to the centre.

Real potential

Her coach Claire Starkey said Nicole was among a group of girls who are training hard to make the 2012 Olympics.

"She has the potential to be there [at the Olympics] with those girls."

Nicole said: "The gym has been fine but it has been really annoying not being in the school because I am getting quite bored and when I try to do the schoolwork at home it is quite hard without a teacher."

Her mother said: "We are quite angry really. She is in year eight and not in primary school anymore.

"She has been out of school for nearly four weeks - she is missing out and her education is very important."

The council said because Nicole's parents were appealing the decision it could not comment further on the case.

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Nicole Pavier wants to combine training with education