The controversial 'Transforming Our Primary Schools' (Tops) proposals have been through the consultation period and now decisions will go to a special cabinet on Wednesday.

The Tops plans aim to slash 2,000 surplus places by merging or closing schools across the borough, which will see up to £1m saved and ploughed back into education.

It also means if spare places can be reduced, South Tyneside's schools could receive up to £30m in capital grants from the Government over the next decade.

Under initial proposals, Boldon C of E Primary in West Boldon and St Bede's RC Primary in Jarrow would close altogether, with the another 14 closing and amalgamating under new names.

And while Boldon C of E in Don Gardens is still earmarked for closure and other plans are still being recommended to go down the same route, St Bede's RC Primary in Harold Street has been given a reprieve.

It is proposed any decision on the plans to close St Bede's RC Primary School, and to amalgamate Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School
with Clervaux Nursery, is deferred until the autumn.

Instead the Cabinet is being asked to authorise discussions about an alternative proposal to co-locate St Bede's RC, Jarrow Cross and Clervaux Nursery on the Jarrow Cross site.

Helen Watson, executive director for children and young people, said: "If approved, these proposals provide the opportunity to reduce surplus primary school places and improve standards and quality of primary school education across the borough.

"They will enable us to modernise primary education and bring in major investment to give our children and young people the best possible start in life.

"The investment would allow us to deliver inspirational buildings of which pupils and local communities could be proud."

In her report to Cabinet, Ms Watson added: "The borough has too many primary schools. Authorities similar to South Tyneside, with the same number of children, have about 40 primary schools.

"South Tyneside has 51 primary schools. Six of these are almost half-empty, and 15 have more than 25 per cent surplus places.

"There are currently 13,200 primary school places available, yet there are only 10,800 primary pupils, which is projected to reduce to 10,300 by 2010.

"Maintaining fewer primary schools will bring about significant savings to reinvest in the remaining schools."

The proposals have been the subject of a two-month consultation period involving schools, governors, local councillors, parents and the wider community, followed by extensive analysis.

Coun Jim Foreman, lead member for children and young people, said: "We are totally committed to ensuring our children and young people get the education they deserve and the best possible start in life.