The agonising task of choosing schools for closure under the proposed new two-tier system will be finalised over the next two weeks.

The fate of most first and middle schools will be revealed on March 31.

Although middle schools would be abolished in Bradford under the plans, the sites and buildings of many will be needed to house new, large primary schools, the majority of which will have about 420 pupils.

Many middle-school buildings were built in the 1970s.

Therefore, there are a large number which are more up-to-date than the Victorian buildings of many first schools

The new primary and secondary system means that pupils will only change school at the age of 11, instead of transferring at nine and 13.

With only one key change of school and less disruption to the National Curriculum, the education authority is convinced standards will rise.

The school review's final report sets out a new education structure to reduce class sizes, which have been spiralling out of control, with many schools forced to merge classes of different ages.

The shake-up should also deal with the high number of budget deficits in Bradford, with more than one-third of schools in debt. The report says savings will be made which can be ploughed back into the classroom for better staffing, books and materials.

Deputy education chairman Councillor Suzanne Rooney said: "Structure is not the most important factor in raising children's achievements.

"But the structure has to be right to provide a sound foundation for the development of our children.

"Structure is one of the steps we are taking to raise achievement.

"But it is not the only one and there are number of issues we are addressing."

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