A MASSIVE education shake-up in Darlington will move a step closer tomorrow.

The £21m project, which will see three schools rebuilt as an education village, needs £200,000 to commission a consultant's report.

Earlier this year, the Government gave approval for public and private finance Initiative money to be made available for the project, which aims to integrate special needs and mainstream education.

Tomorrow, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet is expected to approve the release of £200,000 of funding to commission the consultants' report.

It is hoped the sum will ensure the scheme is well considered before work starts.

Consultants will develop a business plan which will allow the council to invite bids from private partners.

Under the proposals, Haughton Community School, Beaumont Hill Special School and Technology College, and Springfield Primary School in the town will be demolished, then rebuilt on Haughton's Rockwell Road site, where a new health and social services centre will also be opened.

Harrowgate Hill Infant School will also be rebuilt, alongside the existing Harrowgate Hill Junior School.

Work on the new schools should be completed by the end of 2005, when demolition of existing buildings will begin.

Private companies will be involved in the scheme, entering into 25-year contracts to build schools, maintain existing buildings and provide services.

The education village concept was developed by the borough council with the schools involved, the Primary Care Trust and other stakeholders.