Schools yesterday benefited from a £60 million package to spend on major improvements.

The money for education in West Sussex will mean that a new secondary school at Maidenbower in Crawley can be built to cater for 1,250 pupils.

Schools minister Jacqui Smith announced the Private Finance Initiative projects as part of a £650 million nationwide package for schools.

The money will also mean Thomas Bennett Community College in Tilgate, Crawley, and Ifield Community College, will be replaced with new buildings on the same sites.

There will also be a refurbishment of Hazelwick School in Crawley to bring facilities up to scratch.

Other money is being earmarked for the replacement of Deerswood and Catherington special schools in Crawley with new buildings.

Neil Matthewson, Cabinet member for education and the arts at West Sussex County Council, said: "This is tremendous news and we are all delighted. It will allow us to carry out major improvements to the secondary schools, helping our work in raising educational standards for all pupils.

"Along with the replacement of Crawley's two special schools, this represents an exciting step forward.

"I believe that our investment can bring benefits for Crawley which will stretch beyond education."

The total funding from the Government for the improvement package is £44 million with the rest coming from the council and other sources.

The authority is now seeking a private partner and it is likely the contract for the work will be signed next year.

Timetables for the work to start and be completed will be worked out afterwards.

Ms Smith said: "It is very exciting. The enthusiasm shown by public and private sectors to make the most of these opportunities is clear.

"Since 1997 more than 20 schemes have signed contracts involving 373 schools and many of these are already operational and the remainder will be shortly."