County Hall bosses are to discuss a major review of secondary schools in a bid to attract up to £60m of Government cash under the next wave of the Building Schools for the Future programme.

If the review goes ahead and the Government money is forthcoming, some schools could be closed or amalgamated and reopened as the ultra-modern 'super schools' – as has happened in Burnley and Pendle during the first stage of the scheme. No schools have been identified yet.

It is hoped controversial plans to turn the merged Fulwood and Tulketh schools into Preston's first city academy – if the scheme goes ahead – will be the catalyst for the investment.

The money could also be used to revamp existing buildings.

The review is being considered because of growing concern over the 1,100-plus surplus secondary school places in Preston.

Coun Alan Whittaker, chairman of the cabinet committee for schools at Lancashire County Council, said: "It could mean very significant capital resources, in terms of millions of pounds, come down to the Preston area from this Government programme."

He said any review could lead to amalgamations, but could also mean existing buildings are reviewed and revamped.

Council chiefs are to turn the focus on Preston after some £250m was pumped into eight new schools in Burnley and Pendle, which had around 1,800 surplus places, under the Government programme.

A decision on whether to plough ahead with a review will be discussed in the next 12 months, with a business plan expected to be drawn up in 2009 if it is decided to proceed.

Following consultation, work on new buildings could begin in 2010-2011.

Cabinet member for schools at LCC Coun Vali Patel said: "We will look to try and make it happen.

"With Tulketh coming out of the system over the next couple of years there may be less than (1,100 places), but there is still a fair amount of surplus places in Preston – enough really to have one school less."

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