The plan, which will see massive investment in Powys schools was agreed by County Councillors at PCC's board meeting.

A major modernisation programme has already been launched by the council that will see some schools replaced by new buildings, the building of area schools and the refurbishment of many others.

The Board has now agreed to adopt an area by area approach to the review together with agreeing how the programme is to be managed and the proposed timetable for the next four years.

Councillor David Jones, Board Member for Schools and Inclusion said: "The council is looking at ambitious plans that will see at least £125million invested in schools over the next decade. We want the right schools, in the right locations and make sure our children have access to the highest possible education facilities.

"We believe the best way forward is to take a strategic approach and look at the county area by area. And to make sure everyone is dealt with consistently we want to create special project boards with experienced and specialist officers to oversee the work.

"School modernisation is one of the council's 'Aim High' projects and as a result schools in the county are a priority for investment and development. But, the work must be carried out in a strategic and consistent way to deliver the best results for the delivery of services in the county."

At the board meeting Cllr Jones said he believed primary school's in the Maesydderwen area should be the first to be reviewed. He said: "If you look at the quality of school buildings in the catchment areas, Maesydderwen should be looked at first because there are some buildings there which should have been gotten rid of years ago and it is not fair for staff or pupils to have to work in them."

Phil Robson, executive director of people and wellbeing, warned that the process of modernisation may not be entirely painless.

He said: "There will be less schools but those schools will be fit for the future. To get to that position there will be some individual difficulties and some community difficulties."

The agreed area timetable for the next four years will be: Maesydderwen, 10 primary schools (timetable 2008 to 2009); Presteigne, six primary schools, (2009 to 2010); Gwernyfed, 10 primary schools (2009 to 2010); Llanidloes, five primary school, (2010 to 2011); Machynlleth, three primary schools, (2010 to 2011); Welshpool 13 schools, (2011 to 2012).