MULTI-MILLION pound proposals which will create a new era of secondary school education in the Stockton borough have been agreed.

Under the £180m Building Schools for the Future programme, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet has agreed Blakeston School Community Sports College, The Norton School Humanities College and Thornaby Community School should close.

These schools will be replaced by two new academies, one in north Stockton, specialising in science and another in Thornaby, specialising in business and enterprise.

Statutory public notices proposing the three closures have been served.

Councillor Alex Cunningham, Stockton Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "This is an important step towards the creation of exciting, new educational opportunities for young people across the borough.

"The academies, if given final approval by the Secretary of State, will make a real positive difference to the lives of our young people, raising their aspirations and improving their employability."

A six week consultation has started, giving the public a second chance to voice their opinions before a decision is made in January.

If given the final go-ahead, the academy in Thornaby would open in the existing Thornaby Community School building in September 2010 until a new building is built.

The academy in North Stockton would open in the existing Blakeston School Community Sports College and The Norton School Humanities College buildings in January 2011 before moving to a site off Norton Road.

Elsewhere, £3m plans to close Bewley Infant School and Bewley Junior School, in Billingham, and establish a primary school are also a step closer.

The council intends to use Primary Capital Programme funding to create the new school.

The Primary Capital Programme is a multi-million pound Government initiative which aims to improve the buildings of around half the country's primary schools.

Coun Cunningham said: "The creation of a single primary school would enable teachers, staff and governors to build on the current strengths and successes of both schools to ensure the youngsters benefit from the best facilities and learning opportunities in an environment fit for the 21st Century."

For more information on all the changes visit stockton.gov.uk