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

Almost 50 schools have been marked for remodelling work as the county council phases out middle schools in the town.

But now a contractor has been chosen to carry out the project, the council is currently rethinking part of its plan.

Negotiations have begun which could lead to Kingsthorpe, Mereway, Northampton School for Girls and Weston Favell all being rebuilt.

Olwen Loud, cabinet member for schools, said the council was now in a position to consider increasing the scope of the new build element, rather than remodel the buildings.

"This is by no means a certainty but during this period of change now is the time to make sure we explore all options and opportunities which come before us," he said.

"If it all makes educational and financial sense this could pave the way to an even more exciting and pioneering future for schools in Northampton Councillor Olwen Loud

"We will be discussing the possibility of an entire new building for Kingsthorpe Community College, which will involve a meeting with the Kingsthorpe community in September to make sure everyone can have their say.

"Obviously we need to look into the cost of this and other implications rather than the planned extensive remodelling.

"However, if it all makes educational and financial sense this could pave the way to an even more exciting and pioneering future for schools in Northampton than we had originally planned."

Babcock and Brown was appointed last week as preferred bidder to carry out the �100m building work over the next two years.

By September the council plans to have phased out all the town's middle schools, which cater for pupils aged nine to 13.

Remodelling work was planned at 47 schools and six new schools will also be built as the town moves from a three tier to a two tier education system.