NO high schools will be closed during the next three years Herefordshire Council's leader has announced.

But primary schools could still be under threat.

Speaking at a packed meeting of the council, Councillor Roger Phillips promised that no closures or major organisations of high schools would be considered during the lifetime of the current administration. The next local elections are scheduled for May 2011.

He also reaffirmed that the council would continue to apply the existing Small Schools Policy for primary schools. He confirmed that no closures would happen outside of that policy.

"Any future drafting of any changes affecting Herefordshire schools will involve heads, governors, parents, the local community and local ward councillors", said Coun Phillips.

"These groups will examine and exhaust every opportunity to ensure the continued protection of our schools."

The council had been proposing to close more than 30 schools in the county, but withdrew its plans following fierce objection from the community.

It is now carrying out a second review.

"Any discussions will be held in public and recorded," added Councillor Phillips, "with all documentation made available on the council's website. All statistics used will be independently verified.

"The council will continue to lobby the government for fairer funding for our children and young people in Herefordshire".

The motion to take the school review proposals off the table, confirm no closures to high schools during the administration and confirm no closures of primary schools outside of the council's existing small schools policy, was backed by 34 councillors, with 17 voting against and with five abstentions.