Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has unveiled plans to revolutionise the county's schools under the 21st Century Schools Initiative.

The plans were announced at a special cabinet meeting last Wednesday (8th December).

All Welsh local authorities were expected to make a bid for funding to the Welsh Assembly by last Friday (10th December), with Monmouthshire aiming for maximum impact.

Andy Keep, chief officer for children and young people, said: "Our vision is for an approach to teaching that is shaped by the local communities in which our schools are based.

"It will be tested and trialled in a way that transforms current best practice into the next practice required for the 21st century.

"At its heart is learning that is designed to be flexible, independent and personal, with teaching that is innovative and inspirational, with both supported by an environment that is rich in leading-edge technology.

"The purpose of our vision is the fundamental shift in standards to a level that is recognised as world leading and with a dramatic impact on the life chances of our children and young people and the future of our communities."

Councillor Liz Hacket Pain, cabinet member for children and young people said: "Education is something that we do very well in Monmouthshire but we can never be complacent.

"We have a duty to put the needs of our learners at the heart of these plans and that is exactly what we've done.

"These plans aren't just about providing new schools, they are about securing the future of our children and young people.

"Time will tell if we have been successful in our bid but either way we have made a commitment, as a council, to maximise learning opportunities for all."

Highlights of MCC's programme include the development of four brand new community campuses on the four secondary school sites.

Caldicot School would be the first secondary school to be rebuilt under the plans.

There would also be an overhaul of the authority's school ICT provision giving every school, student, teacher and parent access to modern and innovative technologies.

The programme has a projected cost of £209million and would span nine years, starting in 2012/13.

MCC's 'Strategic Outline Programme' is available at

monmouthshire.gov.uk