TWO schools being replaced with academies are to get some improvements to their current buildings to tide them over until multi-million pound new premises are ready.

James Brindley Science College, in Chell, will receive £150,000 for urgent work this summer as part of a fund for needy schools covered by the academies programme.

Blurton High's current building will also benefit from some refurbishment, which may include a new outdoor dining area, as it prepares to re-open as an academy in September.

The cash for James Brindley was announced by schools minister Vernon Coaker, who was taken on a tour of its crumbling building during a visit to Stoke-on-Trent earlier this month.

Families have been campaigning for a new school there for more than six years.

Mr Coaker, pictured, said the school's "exceptional" circumstances meant he would be asking his officials to fast-track the latest funding.

But he added: "Because James Brindley is likely to receive new buildings in three years, it is not appropriate to make substantial capital investments. The funding for environmental improvements is intended as light refurbishment to make an immediate impact only."

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley said: "During the minister's visit to the school earlier this month, I showed him first-hand how much the money was needed."

The James Brindley academy will be sponsored by NHS Stoke-on-Trent, which is expected to sign its funding agreement with the Government in June. The school will become an academy in 2011, although its new £22.5 million building won't be completed until around April 2013.

The Ormiston Trust has already sealed its crucial funding agreement for the Blurton academy. Pupils and staff will transfer to a £20 million building by January 2013.