A total of 15 middle schools will in the �100m scheme

All of the town's middle schools, which cater for pupils aged nine to 13, are being phased out in favour of a two-tier system.

The move has been criticised by the National Union of Teachers which believes children's education will suffer as a result of the changes.

Northamptonshire County Council said it would not affect standards.

Building work

Peter Burrell, the officer responsible for overseeing the change, said there would be fewer teachers working in Northampton.

But he added the changes would not necessarily mean larger classes for youngsters.

Fifteen middle schools will close in September as part of the �100m education overhaul.

Four other middle schools - Abington Vale, Delapre, All Saints and Millway - will be turned into primary schools.

Major building work will also be undertaken at about 40 schools across the town.