A panel of independent experts has unanimously backed the closure of two secondary schools in Bristol.

Lawrence Weston and Lockleaze schools will both have too few pupils to be viable, the schools organisation Committee has said.

The decision, part of Bristol City Council's wider review of secondary education, means that Lawrence Weston school will close at the end of the summer term.

Pupils in year 11 will be allowed to stay on to complete their studies.

Battle lost

The decision has disappointed parents and pupils who have been campaigning to keep the schools open.

Student Emma Ashley told BBC News Online: "There is a place for smaller schools like Lawrence Weston.

"Children come here because they like the small classes and they like the teachers.

"It is very sad. It is final now and it has suddenly hit everyone that they are losing their school."

Lockleaze School will close by 2004

Her mother Debbie Ashley said: "It is a very gloomy day for the community of Lawrence Weston."

She said she was concerned about the pupils' transition to bigger schools.

"The curriculum they have been getting here has suited them."

Parents have been assured they will be able to choose alternatives for their children but head teachers have said other schools are already oversubscribed.

The city council says it plans to set a minimum size of 810 pupils per secondary school as part of an extensive 10-year programme to transform secondary education and improve achievement.

'Tough decisions'

"This size school is considered to be stable, financially viable and, above all, able to offer pupils a wide range of subjects and choices," said a council statement.

"Research shows that neither Lawrence Weston or Lockleaze will attain this pupil number in future years."

Peter Hammond, deputy council leader with responsibility for education and lifelong learning, said: "These have been tough decisions to make and we recognise the trauma it may have caused.

"Both the schools and the education service are doing their utmost to help those pupils who will be transferring schools."