ONE of three Wyre Forest high schools could be closed under dramatic proposals unveiled today.

And, under detailed suggestions made available to head teachers for the first time this morning, up to five first and two middle schools could merge with others to tackle a surplus of pupil places.

One of the schemes involves merging Baxter College, King Charles I High and Wolverley High onto two sites serving Kidderminster east and west - regardless of whether the district decides to keep its "three-tier" system or adopt the primary and secondary set-up.

The public consultation document is published today as part of Worcestershire County Council's Wyre Forest Schools Review.

Review leader Colin Weeden said: "There will be 'save our schools' campaigns, which is understandable.

"But we need to look beyond that and look at 'what is it that can really make a difference?' "

The report states Bewdley can only sustain its two middle schools if pupils continue to move into the area.

And if the district adopts the two-tier system, Bewdley High would absorb Wribbenhall Middle, expanding to take 11 to 18-year-olds.

Changing catchment areas to merge Bayton Primary, which currently serves Shropshire, with Far Forest First to serve the rural area is suggested if Wyre Forest stays three tier.

In Kidderminster - again regardless of which system is adopted - mergers are also on the cards for Marlpool and St Barnabas first schools at the Marlpool site and Spennells and Stone first schools at Spennells.

The report also recommends forming two new schools from Lea Street, St George's and St Mary's firsts, with consultation to decide the location.

Even though increasing spare places are predicted for Birchen Coppice, Sion Hill and Sladen middle schools, geography means it would be difficult to close one of them.

In Stourport, spare places could be tackled by merging Areley Kings and Areley Common and Stourport and Wilden first schools, while under three tier, Areley Kings and Lickhill Middle could merge at Areley.

Mr Weeden said the changes would affect staff, parents and children and could see millions pumped into district education.

"There are a lot of options - we're not just coming up with 'one size fits all'. If people have got better suggestions, we want to hear them. We want as many views as possible. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape what happens for the next 20 or 30 years," he said.

The document will go to the county council's cabinet next week for discussion, while schools are being asked to suggest dates for public meetings before the end of the year to advance the debate.