Ten of Bridgwater's schools would be replaced by three "super schools" if the county council is successful in its bidding for a slice of �2bn funding.

The new "learning centres", funded through the Private Finance Initiative, would also be open to the public.

Many of the county's existing schools were built in the 1960s with an expected shelf-life of just 30 to 40 years.

Michael Jennings, director of lifelong learning, said: "These buildings would provide all of Bridgwater's secondary education, up to the age of 16.

"They would also involve the two special schools, some primary schools and could offer adult education, early years, leisure facilities and a range of other public services."

"If we don't succeed in the first round of bidding, this plan will be delivered at a later date along with similar projects in other parts of Somerset," added Mr Jennings.