York education bosses were today cheering the news that they have won more than £1 million for new school buildings.

The Government cash will go towards facilities needed as part of a major shake-up of primary education in the Clifton area of the city.

Most of the £1.08 million will go towards new buildings at Burton Green Primary School.

Some of the cash may also be used for improvements to Clifton Green Primary School - as the current Kingsway Junior School will be known from September.

Both schools will become through primaries serving the Clifton area. The changes also involve the closure of Shipton Street Infant School, with its pupils going to the Clifton Green school.

A City of York Council spokesman said it had succeeded in securing the new Government capital to enlarge Burton Green to become a primary school.

The bid, lodged in January, was submitted to increase teaching space to house 315 pupils.

A draft design had been prepared and the school would have new classrooms, a new playground and a new hall.

Though Burton Green would get the lion's share of the money it was possible some left over would be combined with other sources of cash to fund smaller-scale improvements at the Kingsway/Clifton Green school. The building work would not be finished until the 2002-03 school year.

The spokesman added: "We are delighted with this news, which continues the council's commitment to improving the fabric as well as the organisation of schools in the city.

"We believe the new arrangements for junior and primary schooling in this area will bring considerable educational benefits, but the fact that these will be delivered through improved facilities is also a great boost."

The £1.08 million awarded to York is a slice of a £106 million fund unveiled by the Government to revamp or replace 120 schools across England.

Some new schools will be built, while others will be given new facilities and buildings to replace ageing and temporary classrooms.

Schools Minister Estelle Morris said a total of £2.2 billion was being spent on school buildings this year, compared to £700 million in 1996-97.

She also told the conference of the NAS/UWT union in Jersey that the Government was taking a tough stance on unruly pupils, with 1,000 learning support units being set up across the country to take them out of the classroom.

Updated: 16:15 Tuesday, April 17, 2001