The final blueprint for a radical transformation of Exeter's schools has been unveiled.

Three new high schools will be built under the proposals announced by Devon education chiefs.

There will also be a new primary school to serve the Wonford area of the city.

The change of Exeter's first, middle and high schools to primary and secondary schools will affect 13,000 pupils and 1,500 staff.

Devon County Council proposals include:

Three new high schools to replace St Luke's, St James and Priory Substantially refurbish West Exe and St Peter's New primary school for Wonford area replacing Bradley Rowe First and Middle Schools Pupils to transfer to secondary school at the age of 11, rather than 12 Primary schools for children aged five to 11 should be established

The recommendations include pupils moving to secondary school at the age of 11, rather than 12.

It is also proposed that primary schools for children aged five to 11 should be established wherever possible.

More than 2,200 parents, governors and school staff attended a series of public consultations during the summer to discuss the initial proposals.

Devon County Council has already agreed to back a �79m Private Finance Initiative (PFI) if the changes are supported.

The re-organisation is scheduled to take place in September 2005.

Devon's executive chairman for schools, John Hart, said: "I firmly believe these exciting proposals will result in significantly better education for every child in every school in the city.

Devon executive chairman for education John Hart

"I believe the people of Exeter have spoken and told us in no uncertain terms to get on with this as quickly as possible."

Mr Hart tried to reassure teachers about the security of their jobs.

"By changing the school system, theoretically there could be up to 50 job losses in primary schools.

"But 60 jobs will be created in secondary schools," he said.

Final approval

"The turnover of staff is 10% every year and the changes will not take place until 2005.

"We are asking schools to start preparing for this before the end of September 2003."

The blueprint will now be discussed by Devon County Council's ruling executive next Tuesday, before moving on to the full council on Thursday.

If they support the changes, the proposals will go to the independent Schools Organisation Committee in March for final approval.