A REVIEW of education in Herefordshire could see a number of schools merged and closed as the county tackles declining pupil numbers.

Herefordshire Council has published proposals that aim to promote discussion on how the county's school provision is improved and reshaped for the first half of the 21st century.

More than 70 of the county's schools will be affected in some way by the proposals, including three schools in Ledbury and three in Bromyard; Bosbury CE and Eastnor Parochial schools would amalgamate, and Cradley CE and Much Marcle CE would reduce their capacity, St Peter's would move to North Herefordshire catchment, and Bredenbury and Pencombe CEs would amalgamate and move to north Herefordshire catchment.

The review has been taking place because the Government expects local authorities to set out strategic plans for the future. A spokesman for the council said: "These plans have to take into account the quality of education our children receive, the number of places available in schools, future pupil numbers and value for money.

"They must also take into account school building maintenance programmes so that our children can learn in safe and pleasant environments."

They added: "The review is essential because the number of pupils is declining - presenting the biggest challenge to education standards across the county for decades. Currently 12 per cent of the county's school places are empty and population trends indicate this will increase to more than 20 per cent by 2012."

The review must show value for money and ensure there are no more than 10 empty places to every 100 available across the county.

Headteachers were given the report results on Thursday.

Over the next few weeks, those schools who have proposed changes will be visited by council officers for further discussion on the proposals.

A schedule of visits will be published once finalised.

Feedback from school communities will be sought before a further set of proposals is taken to the council's cabinet for consideration in April.