SCHOOLS in Southend could be in line for an £80million Government grant.

The money could be used to rebuild six secondary schools across the town.

As part of the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme, Belfairs High School has already been given £16million, which will be used for a new sports hall and reception area.

Southend Council has now been told there is a good chance a further £80million will be available.

The council must put forward a bid for the cash, on behalf of schools, and, if successful, the money will be available from 2011.

Two of the schools involved in the proposals are Shoeburyness High School, in Caulfield Road, and Futures Community College, in Southchurch Boulevard, Southend.

Huw Williams, deputy head of Shoeburyness High School, said: “This would be fantastic news if we are successful, because it will mean we can achieve our ambitions for the school.

“Some of the buildings here are more than 70-years-old, and although we have had some additions since then, there is a great deal which needs to be done.

“We are already an extended school, with a police office on the site, a new youth club, a nursery and the recently refurbished swimming pool.

“We want to increase the facilities available for the whole community, and introduce more adult learning classes.

“The money would allow the school to help both the community and our students more.”

Mr Williams said he estimated a cost of more than £30million to carry out all work required at the school.

Neil Bates, the chief executive of Prospects Learning, is working with Futures College, to develop the old Thorpe Bay School site, in Southchurch Boulevard.

He said: “If the money was available, it would be the next step in the development of the college.

“We had always hoped to rebuild both the upper school and the lower school, so we could be a totally inclusive college, from ages 11 to 19.

“The new buildings would be an important step forward in giving younger pupils the same standards as those in the new upper school building, which is now under construction.”

Roger Hadley, councillor responsible for education, said: “This is a golden opportunity for Southend to get the money it needs to bring these schools up to the standard our children and young people deserve.

“If we don’t grab this chance, then it could be years before we are able to achieve what is needed and ensure the best education for all the youngsters in the borough.”