Four Liverpool schools are set to be reborn as the city's multi-million pound primary rebuilding programme gets underway.

The city council's executive board is being asked on Friday, 12 September, to give the green light for brand new, 21st century buildings for Croxteth, Hope Valley, Breckfield and Faith primary schools.

It is the first phase of the government's primary capital programme, which aims to rebuild, re-model or refurbish at least 47 Liverpool primary schools over the next 15 years.

The initial £16m of funding - over the next two years - will pave the way for a brand new Croxteth Primary School, the federation of Hope Valley and Breckfield Community Schools in a new-build school and the re-building of Faith Primary School in Everton.

The council's Executive Member for education, Councillor Keith Turner, said: "Investing in the future of education in Liverpool is a major priority for us, particularly those schools in particularly poor condition and in areas of significant deprivation.

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"Our plans for brand new primary school buildings in the Croxteth, Breckfield and Everton wards of the city will breathe new life into education in these areas and contribute to their overall regeneration.

"Despite replacing or refurbishing our most rundown primary schools over the last few years, we still have too many surplus places and too many children being taught in buildings which aren't suitable for 21st century learning.

"We have made excellent progress in driving up standards in the last few years and this project will help raise attainment even more.

"Viable schools in most need will be rebuilt or refurbished, but in future phases there is a possibility we will have to look at amalgamation or even closure.

"We are absolutely committed to making sure every child in Liverpool gets the best possible start in life and education is a key part of that."

In order to qualify for the funding, the council has had to submit a detailed review to the government of primary school provision across the city.

The government is not willing to give money to schools that are not sustainable in the long term, and expects Liverpool to reduce the number of surplus places in the city before funds are released.

It also requires the city to reduce its primary surplus places from 13% to 10% by 2013.

The city council has consulted widely since June on the first phase of review with parents, staff, pupils and governors, as well as the wider community, the diocese and archdiocese and other interested parties.

(CD/JM)