THIRTY-SEVEN schools across Herefordshire face an uncertain future under far-reaching changes to education in the county.

Reports emerging from a meeting of the county's head teachers in Ross-on-Wye this morning (Thursday) suggest that 37 schools will be "amalgamated" with others under an education strategy based on a big fall in projected pupil numbers and the subsequent loss of central government funding.

Herefordshire Council called the meeting at The Chase Hotel, Ross, to outline the strategy and what it would mean. Fears of up to 17 schools closing completely are already being aired.

Small rural primary schools are expected to bear the brunt of the "amalgamation" programme, but some secondary schools are also said to be in the frame.

The Herefordshire Association of School Governors has said it will fight any attempt to close any schools on the baisis of "flawed figures".

Herefordshire Council says that the money it will get from Whitehall for successfully implementing a review of school provision will be enough to build five new replacement schools and refurbish several more.

See P4 of the Hereford Times this week.