A REVIEW of Powys's primary schools, which will end with some closures, has begun.

No details have yet been revealed about which schools will be shut as part of Powys Council's Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys 2020-30, which was approved in April.

But discussions have begun with "a number" of local schools, which have so far been "positive", school transformation manager Marianne Evans told the authority's learning and skills scrutiny committee on Monday, June 22.

A “Schools Transformation Programme Board” has been set up, with different aspects of school transformation divided up into work streams.

Changes will come in three stages, ending in 2022, 2025 and 2030.

Work stream one deals with primary and all age schools.

Ms Evans told the committee:  “We will be reviewing the smallest schools and we’re working through all of them below a certain number.”

But, the threshold for pupils numbers which means a school is in danger of closure if it has less than the magic figure, was not revealed.

Ms Evans pointed out that there were now extra obstacles to closing schools – including a "presumption against the closure of rural schools” in Welsh Government guidance.

“We have to present a report that we have considered all options and explain why we have decided not to go with them.”

By 2030, all 11 current secondary schools should become all age schools teaching children from the age of four to 18 years.

Committee chairman, Councillor Pete Roberts (Llandrindod South – Liberal Democrat) said:  “Do you have any idea at this point which catchment area you are looking at for three all age schools? Or is it still too early to say?”

Ms Evans, said:  “We’re in initial discussion with a number of schools I can’t name them obviously as we have to go through the proper channels.

“It’s all very positive at this stage.”

Work on the proposals is supposed to continue through the summer before recommendations are put to the cabinet in September.