BAM Construction has been named preferred bidder for a £10 million contract to build two primary schools in Sheffield.   The UK-wide contractor, which has offices in Leeds, will build the schools in Shirecliffe and Fir Vale for Sheffield City Council.   Each school will have capacity for 420 pupils aged 4 to 11. They are being built to meet a rising demand for primary places in the city.   BAM is now working on designs to meet the requirements of the council ahead of a start on site in September 2013.   Completion is scheduled for August 2014 so the schools can open at the start of the 2014/15 academic year.   BAM beat three rivals to the job, which was procured through the YORbuild framework.   Construction director Kelvin Pollard said: 'We look forward to using our experience and skills to create two schools Sheffield can be proud of.

  'These are important facilities for the city and we are delighted BAM has been chosen to deliver them.

  'It is a great sign that BAM continues to be selected as a company trusted to deliver quality buildings at affordable prices through regional frameworks such as YORbuild.'

  Councillor Jackie Drayton, Sheffield City Council's cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: 'Giving children the best possible start in their education is essential in helping them reach their full potential.   'Research has shown that children's achievement at school can be improved by their surroundings. These new schools will provide desperately needed places and put well-designed facilities at the heart of the community. It's great to hear that work will be starting soon.'   BAM has built a series of major education and health projects in Sheffield in the past ten years such as the Arts Tower and culminating in the laboratory rationalisation project for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.  On the border with Rotherham, BAM is delivering the new Advanced Blade Casting Facility for Rolls-Royce.