Secondary schools face the axe

Secondary schools face the axe

Education Leeds will start a consultation process

Education chiefs in Leeds are set to close three schools and build a Young People's College in a city-wide review of learning facilities.

Education Leeds is proposing the closure of Merlyn Rees, City of Leeds and Matthew Murray High Schools by 2006.

The Young People's College, focusing on 14-19 year olds, will be built on the City of Leeds site in Hyde Park.

Another school for 11-18 year olds is planned as part of the development of South Leeds Stadium.

Public consultation

A second round of public consultation will take place to gauge the views of school staff, governors, parents and local communities.

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said: "This consultation is vital if we're going to create successful schools that really meet the needs of our young people and their communities.

"Once again, these proposals are not in any way final and we are listening to people in Leeds.

"We will report the outcomes of the consultation meetings back to the council's Executive Board in May and they will decide on the way forward."