Falling pupil numbers mean there are empty classrooms and parents have been consulted on what should be done.

There was most support for rebuilding Manor School and merging Lowfield School with Oaklands School.

A delegation from City of York Council is to ask education minister David Milliband to help pay for the necessary building work.

Costed plans

Councillors say that if the reorganisation is to take place it should be done properly.

The proposals are being costed and will be shown to Mr Milliband later this month.

Patrick Scott, the director of education for York, said: "I am encouraged by the fact that David Milliband wants to meet us.

"We have a scheme that meets all the government's aspirations for the future of secondary education."