SCHOOLS with few pupils could face an uncertain future after county councillors voted for a change in policy in how they are reviewed.

Small schools are currently reviewed every five years as part of a rolling cycle of area reviews for schools in the county.

But councillors have now voted to have individual small school reviews for any school as soon as the number of pupils drops below a certain level.

That review could lead to the school's closure.

If a school was subject to an individual review it would not have another one for at least five years, but would still be part of the area review.

No specific figure for the number of pupils that would trigger a small schools review was decided at the meeting, but the Education and Lifelong Learning Panel will be asked to recommend a number.

At the meeting, some councillors opposed the decision, claiming small schools are important and closing them could destroy village life.

"We worry about closing post offices, but for me the schools are important because they provide day activities and jobs," said Coun Liz Tucker.

"There's nothing worse than seeing five-year-olds bussed away for the day and bussed back."

Coun Tom Wells said he was concerned that "rather than give schools security and comfort, alarm bells will be ringing across the county".

But other councillors argued that a small school might not be able to provide the full range of services to fulfil the needs of the National Curriculum.

Leader of the council, Dr Gordon Lord, said schools would be judged not on their size but on the quality of education provided.

Councillors approved the proposal to have a small schools review with 38 in favour, 14 against and two abstentions.