THREE bids to attract millions of pounds of funding to North Yorkshire schools have been submitted to the Government.

Education officials from North Yorkshire County Council are hoping to attract funding from the first phase of the Government's Rural Pathfinders scheme to update education facilities and build partnerships between schools and the community.

Over the next 15 years, every secondary school in the country will be replaced or renewed, and priority will be given to areas where results need improving and where there is depravation.

North Yorkshire is regarded as affluent when compared with inner city areas, and has high standards in education.

However, the rural nature of the county, as well as problem areas of social depravation and a transient population associated with seasonal tourism and the Army, could mean it is included in the first phase of funding.

County Councillor Chris Metcalfe said: "Schools in North Yorkshire have a history of working together and in co-operation with the education service.

"We are in a good position to build on this tradition to develop a collaborative network of schools to provide excellence for all pupils and to extend community learning."

Each of the three bids is for up to £150m and includes between 14 and 18 schools. The bids cover the coast and coalfield, the central vales and the dales. A decision is expected in March.

Coun Metcalfe said: "Whatever happens, we will continue to invest in our schools.

"Developing and sharing new methods of teaching and learning and opening up schools to the community is already happening. But, clearly, the extent of this development would be boosted by being included in the first wave of the scheme."

Proposals that were put forward in the bids included federations of small schools and collaboration between mainstream and special schools.

The council hopes every school will develop a specialism that can be shared with other schools.

There are also plans to develop public libraries and increase the health and social services presence on school sites.

Officials also hope to extend the use of school buildings for learning and leisure for the community.