Schools to share in DfES millions

Schools in Bridgwater are to share in £6.4bn of government money.

The Department for Education & Skills (DfES) has said millions of pounds will be given to rebuild the Somerset town's secondary and special schools.

The next stage will now be to look at where the schools will be located, their design and what facilities each school will need.

Somerset County Council said the building work could start as early as 2010.

Extended opportunities

The schools involved are Robert Blake Science College, East Bridgwater Community School, Haygrove School and Chilton Trinity School.

The money will also cover Penrose and Elmwood Special Schools.

The new schools will push the use of Information Community Technology (ICT) and will provide shared community facilities and extended school opportunities.

"After the people of Bridgwater's unanimous support of this project earlier this year, I am delighted that Somerset County Council has received the news that we have been given the go ahead," said councillor Gloria Cawood.