Education councillors have agreed to a £74 million overhaul of the Dumfries school estate.
Dumfries High School will be replaced while Dumfries Academy is to get an extensive refurbishment in phase two of the Learning Town project.
In addition, Loreburn Primary School will be relocated into the Minerva wing at the academy with work expected to start next year.
Members of the education committee approved the plans on Thursday and they will now go to full council at a later date.
Jeff Leaver, chairman of the education and learning committee, said: “This demonstrates our commitment to delivering the entire DLT2 project and how all of the aspects of the programme fit together.
“Creating and maintaining high quality, fit for purpose educational facilities demonstrates to pupils, teachers, staff and the community how valuable learning is.
“The plans for these schools will see them offer a range of services, activities and facilities that make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing.
“In the report, it states that work is expected to start in 2022.
“This is positive news as this programme will create jobs and help sustain economic growth in Dumfries, and in turn strengthen the vibrancy of the economy in Dumfries and Galloway.”
Dumfries High School will be allocated £48 million, the relocation of Loreburn Primary £7 million and a partial refurbishment of Dumfries Academy will be allocated £16.5 million.
The other £2.2 million will be spent on “management costs” over five years.
The council has described Dumfries High School as being at the “end of life” and has highlighted structural issues with the concrete frame of the building. It is currently rated in class C condition.
Scottish Government officials confirmed last year they will support the renovation of Dumfries High School.
Ros Surtees, vice chairman of the committee, added: “Phase two of the Dumfries Learning Town Programme aims to deliver schools that will offer a platform for the delivery of the Curriculum for Excellence that are fit for purpose in terms of condition, suitability, and enhanced functionality within digitally enabled environments.
“They will create schools which are beyond the building maximising outdoor learning, enhancing and supporting wellbeing, inclusion, and transitions.”
