TWO high schools could be closed as part of radical plans to transform the secondary school system.

But, as part of the proposals, a new high school could be built to replace them.

Warrington Borough Council has drawn up a raft of ideas after receiving more than £18m from the Government to spend on education.

The council says it will have to close one high school in the central and eastern part of the borough because of falling pupil numbers.

But the option to close either or both Woolston and Padgate High Schools has already proven controversial, with one Warrington MP speaking out against the idea. Birchwood High School and Beamont High School are also under review.

There is also a major review of sixth form provision across the borough.

The key options under consideration for Warrington central and east are:

l The removal of Woolston and Padgate High Schools' sixth forms by 2008

l The closure of Woolston or Padgate High Schools.

l A merger of Woolston and Padgate Community High Schools on the Padgate site, with or without a sixth form.

l The building of a new school to replace both Woolston and Padgate schools, on Hillock Lane playing fields in Woolston, with or without a sixth form.

l The replacement of William Beamont High School with a new building on the same site, in conjunction with the council's Orford Park development.

l The replacement of Culcheth High School, with a new building on the same site.

l Do nothing

The proposals will have a major impact on parents of primary school pupils, who may find their schools linked to different high schools.

Warrington North MP Helen Jones said: "My view is that there is no need to close schools in the north of Warrington because of the amount of new build due to take place.

"It is short-sighted not to take this into account. If this proposal goes ahead, we will see a situation where parents are not able to get their children into local schools.

"We are seeing a switch in resources from the north of the town to the south, and I find it incomprehensible that we are making a review of post-16 education and recommending an increase in sixth form places in Lymm and Great Sankey.

"This document fails to include a means of increasing provision in the more deprived areas which ought to be the priority."

The council is seeking residents' views on the proposals.

The council's education boss Tim Warren said: "Not all of the options will become proposals. It is important that the advantages and disadvantages of each option are weighed against the background of community opinion and in the context of a suitable strategic plan for each area.

"More pupils mean more money, more staff and greater flexibility to appoint staff to a wide range of curriculum and subject specialisms."

The wide-ranging review will also look at education provision in other parts of the town, which could affect Bridgewater High School, Lymm High School and St Gregory's High School.

Consultation events planned over the next week will be at:

Tuesday, Bridgewater High School, 7pm - 9pm

This meeting will be for Bridgewater High School, Lymm High School and Sir Thomas Boteler High School plus their partner primary schools.

Wednesday, 7pm - 9pm Birchwood High School.

This meeting will be for Birchwood High plus partner schools.

Thursday, 7pm - 9pm, William Beamont High School.

This meeting will be for William Beamont High and other partner schools.

* Click here for a full list of the consultation meetings, plus a chance to vote for your preffered option and have your say about the proposals.