Christchurch earthquake: Schools to share sites

Hon Anne Tolley. Photo / Supplied

The school bell will take on a whole new meaning at two Christchurch schools who have agreed to split their day in two and give half the hours to other schools damaged in the earthquake.

Education Minister Anne Tolley said that students from badly damaged Avonside Girls' High would share the site at Burnside High, and Marian College students would attend St Bede's.

"One set of students will attend in the morning, with the other school having classes in the afternoon. The exact details have still to be finalised, but this is a positive step forward," Mrs Tolley said.

"We want to get students back in school and provide certainty for families as soon as we possibly can."

The plan will get over 1700 students back into study, but arrangements are still to be finalised for all of the city's severely affected schools.

All 121 state schools have been required to undergo a structural report, and the 76 declared safe so far are preparing to open.