A dynamic new order of schools equipped to deal with the educational demands of the 21st century was unveiled in Bradford today.

The detailed proposals for reorganising Bradford schools under a new two-tier system have finally been released, ending months of uncertainty and speculation.

The plans will radically change the face of education across the authority, cutting the number of schools from 246 to 180.

Dozens of first and middle schools will close to make way for 150 new primary schools, which serve children aged four to 11.

Some sites will be sold but the more up-to-date classes and larger buildings will be used for the new system.

All Bradford's upper schools survive and will be expanded to cater for children from the age of 11.

Two new secondary schools will be built - at the Clock House playing fields in Manningham and on the site of Woodend Middle School in Shipley, which will be levelled.

Laisterdyke Middle will also become a secondary and a site for the independent Muslim girls school, Feversham College, hoping to become state-funded, is to be included.

Among the biggest shocks are plans to transform Eccleshill Upper and Bowling Community College into Church of England secondary schools

But it will be the proposed closures that will strike at the heart of many communities. Closure will be a bitter pill for many parents, pupils and teachers to swallow.

This will be especially true for many small schools that will go, Oldfield First, Horton Bank Top First, Stocks Lane First, and Keelham First to name just a few.

But Bradford's education committee chairman Councillor Jim Flood said: "I do understand the sadness that will be felt by those whose school community will be coming to an end.

"This is the most important decision we have made in decades on the future of our children and the future social and economic well-being of the district."

Today's proposals will be considered by the education committee next Tuesday. Once approved they will go forward for public consultation until May 29.

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