Kirklees Council is planning to build Huddersfield's first brand new secondary school for over 30 years.

The new school would be at Bradley Bar and offer facilities for 11-16 year-olds in a part of town where demand for school places is set to rise dramatically.

Plans to be considered by Cabinet would see Fartown High School close down and students transfer to the new school when it is ready to open in September 2013.

The move, which is part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme and is backed by all political groups on the council, is designed to give young people in North Huddersfield a superb environment in which to develop, learn and achieve.

Cllr Mehboob Khan, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: "We have an extremely strong commitment to giving our young people the best possible opportunities and these plans would be an exciting development both for today’s students and for generations to come.

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"We are taking positive action to improve standards of education. Local schools for local children and young people are at the very heart of our strategy and everyone agrees that education in this part of Huddersfield is in need of a fresh start.

"The idea of a new school at Bradley has been on the table since the start of our BSF programme and has been supported by all political parties. It was always felt to be the right option."

The new school, with 1,200 places, would serve areas including Birkby, Bradley, Deighton, Fartown, Fixby and Sheepridge, sharing a much-extended site with All Saints Catholic College.

The council has worked closely with the Diocese of Leeds who are pleased that All Saints will benefit from a significant refurbishment. Consideration will also be given to the possibility of shared facilities.

If the proposals move ahead, Fartown High School students will be fully involved in designing the new building and influencing the features that go inside it.

The plans will be considered by Cabinet on March 25 and, if they are agreed, the next step is a consultation process.

(CD/GK)