RADICAL plans to rebuild four comprehensive schools in Monmouthshire were given the go-ahead.

Monmouthshire council's cabinet on Wednesday decided to push on with its idea to replace the schools with four new community learning campuses to cater for 11-18 year olds.

It means Caldicot School, Chepstow School, Monmouth Comprehensive and King Henry VIII School in Abergavenny could be replaced with new sites providing adult and community education as well as their current 11-18 provision.

Monmouthshire is to submit its outline business case for approval from the Welsh Assembly Government, with the WAG expected to contribute up to 70 per cent of the price tag as part of its 21st Century Schools initiative.

It is currently unclear how much the plan will cost, although a council report in 2008 suggested £121 million could be needed to replace the schools.

The report then said the buildings faced a wide-range of maintenance problems and repair problems, and said many were past their sell-by date.

Susan Gwyer-Roberts of Caldicot School said they are delighted with the news.

"I have been in this school since 2002 and I have been party to many debates and discussions, yet little has happened," she said.

"Now we have the Welsh Assembly Government’s genuine commitment and the council’s own vision."

She said the school’s current buildings are not suitable "for the needs of this century" and require a significant "repair and replacement programme".

Carole Herman, headteacher of Monmouth Comprehensive, echoed Mrs Gwyer-Roberts’ thoughts.

"We’re very hopeful the WAG are going to support what the council are saying," she said.

Monmouth Comprehensive is itself currently looking to replace five 30-year-old demountable classrooms.

Council officers had to condemn the structures after their external casing deteriorated to such an extend it needs replacing.

Plans for four new classrooms are currently awaiting planning permission.

Councillors will discuss bids for the project at the next cabinet meeting on May 5.