PLANS to shut two secondary schools look set to be shelved - provided teachers keep driving up standards.

Education secretary Ed Balls revealed that Essex County Council, which wanted to close Alderman Blaxill and Thomas, Lord Audley School in Colchester, now aims to keep them open.

In answer to a question from Colchester MP Bob Russell, he gave the news to the House of Commons.

Kevin Starling, of Alderman Blaxill Parents and Community Forum, reacted with "absolute joy and ecstasy" to the announcement."

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