Governors have been given extra time to consider Merton's schools reorganisation project following a U-turn by education bosses.

Governing bodies from three high schools called for the deadline to be extended before they signed up to the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) deal, claiming they were being railroaded into signing a contract with the Newschools consortium.

The Local Education Authority (LEA) had initially refused to allow more time, but the council conceded to extend the final deadline for the schools to sign up to the scheme.

It now anticipates the deal which involves the building work and maintenance of six high schools under the new two-tier structure will be finalised by the end of term.

Councillor Geraldine Stanford, cabinet member for education, said: "The council understands the concern of governors to see and scrutinise final and complete documentation, including detailed and final design and construction plans.

"While headteachers in the schools have worked on these with the LEA and Newschools, we accept that governing bodies wish to sign off the final plans."

The move has been welcomed by opposition councillors, who fear there are still many concerns to be met before the deal can be agreed.