School pupil numbers are falling steadily

The amalgamations are part of an ongoing review of primary schools provision in response to falling pupil numbers.

Five pairs of infant and junior schools will merge by September and another seven pairs could be merged over the next eight years.

It is due to a nationwide trend of a downturn in the birth rate.

In Wrexham, predicted population figures estimate a drop in school age children of 8.4% by 2023.

In September 2006 there were 11,569 pupils registered in Wrexham primary schools, compared to 12,074 in 2001.

Schools merging by September Hafod y Wern Infant and Junior Schools Gwenfro Infant and Junior Schools Rhosymedre Infant and Junior Schools Llay Infant and Junior Schools St Giles Infant and Junior Schools.

Education chiefs believe it makes sense in some cases where there are separate infant and junior schools, often within yards of each other, to have just one school covering all ages.

On Tuesday Wrexham Council's executive board approved the amalgamation of five pairs of schools by September.

However, in some areas of Wrexham, like Brymbo, where there has been a huge housing development on the former steelworks site, the council is now looking at the possibility of providing a purpose-built new school

They are also in discussions with the diocese of St.Asaph about school provision.

Terry Garner, head of the education service in Wrexham, said:" Wrexham has a tradition of very good infant and junior schools, sometimes on the same site.

"Whilst that has served us well in the past, we are noticing in parts of the county borough changes in pupil numbers - sometimes quite significant reductions (and) growth elsewhere."

Part of the education review will also be looking at Welsh language provision in schools, both in terms of availability and distribution of places.

The review has so far taken in about half of Wrexham's schools.

Over the next eight years the council will be looking at the remaining ones, including another seven pairs of infant and junior schools.