ONE of the few success stories to emerge from Swindon's troubled education department is facing an uncertain future.

Hundreds of youngsters are graduating from the Children's University on Saturday but they could be the last if it fails to find new funding.

The Government's £40,000 a year handout has come to an end and Swindon's Council's annual grant is under review.

The council has already cut this year's grant to £25,000 from the £45,000 it gave in 2001.

Based at New College in Park North, the three-week summer school lets youngsters try dozens of different courses from circus skills to martial arts and sailing.

CU manager, Rob Crow, remains optimistic, but admitted funding will change as he applies to the many different grants available.

He explained that it was important to know what different grants were available and how to fill in the forms.

Mr Crow said: "The future of the CU is under review, but that's quite different from being under threat.

"We have come to the end of our New Opportunities funding and that means having to look for funding from different places, applying for different grants rather than having a lump sum from the Government. It is not an emergency because things will start happening.

"I'm confident we will keep running but with the same relatively simple way our funding comes at the moment.

"The CU offers youngsters so many opportunities for exploring new skills and meeting a whole range of new people that it will give them confidence to work hard in school and make a real success of their future."

Swindon Council spokes-woman, Hellen Barnes, said a decision over the summer school's future would remain on hold for a while.

She said: "Funding will come out of the new education budget that will be made in the new year.

"We have to wait for the Government to reveal how much funding the council has over all and then it is up to councillors to divide it up."