Six state-of-the-art schools will be built under the deal

The authority has agreed to sign a 30-year contract worth �100m with the consortium Axiom Education.

It will build six new schools in the area as well as nursery and community facilities.

Building work is due to start in December, with the first new campuses ready to open in 2008.

The council has agreed to move forward and conclude negotiations.

SCHOOL DETAILS Aberfeldy - replacing Breadalbane Academy Blairgowrie - replacing Hill Primary School and St Stephen's Primary School Crieff - replacing Crieff High School Kinross - replacing Kinross High School Perth - replacing St Columba's High School and St John's Primary School Perth South - replacing Caledonian Road Primary School and Friarton Nursery All primary schools being built will have nursery services

Perth and Kinross Council Leader Ian Miller said: "The plans represent our ambitious vision for the future of education of Perth and Kinross.

"Investment in Learning is without a doubt the biggest and most important project that this council has embarked upon to date.

"It represents a massive investment that will have hugely positive benefits for everyone in the communities served by the new campuses."