Small schools "under threat"

Hundreds of small schools around the country are being threatened with closure, the National Association of Small Schools has warned.

Between 100 and 300 schools in England and Wales are affected, despite some of them achieving very good results.

Most have fewer than 90 pupils.

There were protests in Shropshire after it was announced that 22 primary schools were to merge or close.

In the Isle of Wight primary 23 schools have been earmarked for closure – all in the top 10 per cent of national performance.

Falling pupil numbers and the pressure to meet government targets for services have been blamed.

There are around 2000 schools nationally with fewer than 100 pupils on the roll.