Future plans for schools outlined

Local authorities in Wales are reviewing school provision

Councillors will vote on the future of education policy in Ceredigion later, which could lead to some schools merging or closing.

Officials launched a consultation process about its plans last summer, and if backed the policy will be in place for the next 12 years.

In parts of the county, schools already work in clusters, while area schools have been built in other locations.

Other local authorities in Wales are currently reviewing school provision.

This has led to closures in some parts of Wales, and bitter campaigns have been fought to keep buildings open.

Under the plans in Ceredigion, community schools may close and larger federal buildings built.

The council said: "The authority will review schools primarily on a secondary school catchment area basis and consider a rolling programme of possible changes over the next six to 10 years.

"During this period an annual review process will be introduced so that as appropriate, and when possible, proactive measures can be taken to assist (and) sustain schools whose future might otherwise be in jeopardy.

"The annual schools review will be an open and inclusive process. To facilitate the process a county schools review panel will function."