Fife Councillors have agreed that more time is needed before a final decision is taken on the site of the new Madras College.

Members of the Education and Children's Services Committee agreed to a recommendation that a further assessment of sites at St Andrews West takes place and a report on this will be brought back to Committee on November 12, 2009.

This report will identify two options for the new school: Renewal at the present Kilrymont site or a new build solution at another site in the town.

Committee Chair Councillor Douglas Chapman said: "This is a vital step forward to ensuring we get things right. The new Madras College will be a flagship facility for Fife and play a vital part in our key priority of improving educational attainment for all.

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"I am also pleased we have been able to secure the Committee’s backing to ask our colleagues on the Council’s Policy, Finance and Asset Management Committee to approve a maximum budget of £40m funding for the project."

Councillor Chapman continued: "We still expect the new school will be delivered by summer 2013. However, we need a little more time to make sure that all feasible opportunities are explored and the best possible option is chosen.

"The new Madras College will fulfil a vital need in the local area for many years to come. We need to replace the existing premises with a vibrant, modern new building which will be flexible and adaptable enough to meet the changing educational needs of the community."

Corporate Asset Manager Alan Paul described the replacement for Madras College as an "integral part" of the Council's Building Fife's Future programme of investment in new schools.

He added: "The other five projects in this are: the rebuilding or refurbishment of Burntisland Primary School, and a new high school for Kirkcaldy, a new primary school for Dunfermline and refurbishment or rebuild for Dunfermline High School and Auchmuty High School."

(GK/KMcA)