Work on two new schools in Neath Port Talbot is expected to start over the next few months.
Contractors are expected on site at Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School in September while work is due to start on the new Abbey Primary School in Neath by the end of the year.
Neath Port Talbot Council has five projects within the latest phase of its 21st Century Schools programme, a collaboration with the Welsh Government.
Three are still awaiting final sign-off but they have had their outline business cases approved by Welsh Government.
Council leader Rob Jones said initial plans involving Cwmtawe Community School in a new super school were now less likely to take place due to the “unintended consequences” it might have.
He said: “I think we will probably go down the route of making it a super primary school.
“It means we wouldn’t have to go out to consult with Cwmtawe because it would remain as it is.
“An informal consultation has been taking place among Pontardawe schools regarding the plans.”
The local authority is also hoping to add a further school into its list of so-called Band B projects.
Officers are writing to Welsh Government about building a special school for children aged 7-16 to help cope with the increasing numbers of pupils with additional learning needs.
