EDUCATION Secretary David Blunkett gave the green light this week for an £8 million transformation of Congleton's high schools.

Two 1,100-pupil schools are to be created for the town's teenagers in the largest project ever undertaken by county education chiefs.

Westlands High School is to close and its 730 pupils will switch to new schools created on the Dane Valley and Heathfield High sites.

The radical scheme was prompted by the small size of the three schools, combined with lack of specialised classrooms.

The new schools will boast a 200-strong sixth form and improved educational and sports facilities. Building work is set to start this year.

The schools are due to open in September 2000, although work on the new buildings is not expected to be completed until September 2001.

Westlands will continue as a school in its own right until July 2000, and will be used as an annexe for the new schools as the need arises during building work.

When it becomes surplus to requirement the Westlands site will be sold, and the money from the sale used to set against the cost of the scheme.

The project is estimated to cost between £7 million and £8 million, and David Blunkett paved the way for the scheme by giving it his seal of approval this week.

Planning on the new buildings will begin immediately, and temporary boards of governors will be created to look after affairs, including the appointment of headteachers designate.

''We are delighted with the news the Secretary of State has approved the proposed reorganisation,'' said the headteachers of the three high schools in a joint statement.

''The improved facilities and curriculum opportunities offered in a school of 1,100 pupils will have an immediate and lasting effect on educational provision.''

County education committee chairman Peter Nurse said the go-ahead for the project was ''wonderful news'' for Congleton.

''It means better facilities and improved educational opportunities for every child in Congleton,'' he said.

Most of the funding for the scheme is coming from the Department of Education, backed by a significant contribution from the county council.

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