Contracts have now been signed on the Building Schools For the Future scheme - and construction work is set to start soon on the first four schools.

It will see a rebuild of Beaumont Leys School, Judgemeadow Community College and Soar Valley College, and a partial rebuild of Fullhurst Community College.

The first phase of the �315m project will be finished by 2009.

'Careful design'

The agreement between the city council and developers Miller Consortium will see the remaining 12 secondary schools in Leicester redeveloped in a further three phases over the next five years.

Councillor Vi Dempster, who is responsible for education in Leicester, said the project was not just about giving the schools a makeover.

"Building Schools for the Future will make a huge impact on secondary education and is an important part of our drive to raise standards and attainment levels.

"The schools have been carefully designed to provide fantastic new facilities for everyone in the community.