The proposed sweeping changes will cost an estimated £151.425 million, but that will be offset with savings of £11.425 million, for example through the sale of redundant sites.

Under the radical review the current three-tier education system throughout the Bradford district will go, replaced by a two-tier structure.

Cllr Susanne Rooney, deputy chairman of education and lead member on the review team, says: "We have consulted widely, we have listened to what local people had to say, we have discussed issues with heads and governors and we have spoken to community groups to ensure we had a full range of comments and opinions.

"In the vast majority of cases our revised proposals have been welcomed and supported. We have genuinely respon-ded to local wishes wherever possible but in an exercise of this scale we inevitably had to make some difficult decisions. However, our only aim thr-oughout this process has been to ensure we introduce a system which will raise education standards across the district.

"This is the most exciting development that has happened to education in Brad-ford.

"There is bound to be disruption when you are building, extending and improving such a large amount of schools so I would ask schools and parents to bear with us.

"We feel people now want us to get on with the changes and once final approv-al has been given by the Department of Education and Employment we hope to make a start in September next year.

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