COUNCIL chiefs have been keeping under wraps the names of Medway schools whose future is being considered as part of an education review.

But it can now be revealed that officers are focusing their sights on 10 schools - six primary and one secondary - for possible closure or merger.

An internal document, said to have been circulated by education boss Rose Collinson following a cabinet meeting last week, names seven which fit new rules for future school reviews.

These are Allhallows Primary; All Faiths, Strood; Delce Infants, Rochester; Elaine Primary, Strood; Oakland Infants, Walderslade; St Augustine RC Primary, Parkwood; and Temple School, Strood, the only secondary.

It is understood they have been selected for one or a combination of factors including question marks over academic standards and falling pupil numbers.

These form part of guidelines, now out for public consultation, which also include the desire for all remaining infant/junior schools to be merged when current heads resign or retire.

The remaining three schools – St Mary's Island Primary and Wayfield Primary, both in Chatham; and St James' Primary, Grain – could also be considered after critical Ofsted inspections. Speculation has been rife about who might be on the list.

Cllr Wicks, portfolio holder for children's services, argues naming schools now will hit staff morale and cause unnecessary distress to pupils and parents. But his opponents claim the uncertainty is already having that effect.

Labour's education spokesman, Cllr Bill Esterson, said: "Why can't they be open and start consultation?"

The final list is not expected to be decided until the New Year.

SCHOOLS AT RISK:

Poor Ofsted reports:
St Mary’s Island C of E
St James’ C of E
Wayfield County Primary

Mergers with junior schools possible:
Delce Infants
Oaklands Infants

Falling rolls:

All Faiths’ Children’s Community School

Allhallows Primary
Elaine Primary
St Augustine of Canterbury RC
Temple School

* See Friday's Medway Messenger for further details.