A shortlist has been drawn up of Gwynedd schools that could share £50m to spend improving facilities or to build new buildings.

A meeting of the Cabinet today (Tuesday) will look at the Welsh Government’s 21st Century schools programme and how many of its schools could benefit.

Schools in Bangor and Criccieth could be in line for a windfall as the authority assesses their suitability, with a review of the Arfon area’s sixth form provision also being proposed.

However, the estimated £52m spend would require Gwynedd Council to find approximately £26m – matching the Government’s contribution in order to turns the plans into reality.

The authority is now looking to bid during the next phase of the programme, having earmarked several schools that need improvements.

There is a wish to revamp the facilities at Ysgol Tryfan secondary school in Bangor, where the facilities are described as not fit for purpose.

“The buildings at this school are of a very traditional nature and now requires modifications or even re-construction on a large scale if it is to reach the expected standard for the 21st Century,” the report says.

“A similar situation existed at Ysgol Friars at the turn of the century and of course the new provision now there has meant a substantial difference in the standard of resources on both sites.”

Also earmarked is a new site for Our Lady’s Catholic School, currently based near Bangor High Street but described as in very poor condition.

The report notes that Gwynedd Council would not have to contribute 50 per cent of the new school’s costs as it is a religious school, The Catholic Church would be eligible to apply for up to 85 per cent of the cost.

“Our condition inspections have for many years recognized that to ensure improvement, a substantial investment is required.

“Even if investment was made, the site is in a location adjacent to a busy main road and railway. It is a narrow site and unfit for purpose in the twenty first century.”

Also earmarked is a need to revamp facilities at Ysgol Treferthyr in Criccieth, which is also described as being of poor quality, with it being unlikely the current building’s life can be extended for more than another five years.

A need to review sixth form arrangements in schools across Arfon is also highlighted, which is the only area of Gwynedd where post-16 education is provided at secondary schools.

Schools in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd do not offer sixth form facilities, with pupils attending colleges such as Coleg Meirion Dwyfor’s campuses at Dolgellau and Pwllheli.

The report notes: “The independent review will identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current provision and present recommendations for modelling the post-16 provision in the future.

“Without pre-empting any conclusions the independent review may come to, failing to include this project in the council’s outline list of priorities would result in losing the opportunity to achieve anything in this field for the young people in Arfon, should the independent review come to the conclusion that any changes would be beneficial.”

The findings of the report will be discussed when Gwynedd’s cabinet meets in Caernarfon on Tuesday.