Secondary school sites in Powys could be left worse than others as part of a planned shake-up of education in the county, it has been claimed. Despite all 13 sites being retained, some could be replaced by a larger multi-campus school.

This could result in some pupils travelling long distances to school, headteachers said today.

John Hopkins, chairman of Powys Heads, said many headteachers fear the shake-up could have an impact on some community schools

The comments come after Powys County Council announced on Tuesday it wanted to keep all 13 secondary schools sites in the county open but said some sixth forms could close.

It forms part of the council’s secondary education review. The council also hopes to reorganise and streamline the management structure, so that a headteacher would take responsibility for a school on two, or more sites.

Mr Hopkins said: “We commend the council officers for the manner in which they appear to have taken on board the responses to the initial round of consultation.

“As a group we welcome whole heartedly the commitment to ensuring that secondary education is protected and maintained on all 13 school sites

“Our secondary schools are not just the heart of our communities but they are also all significant employers. We welcome proposals to reduce surplus capacity by removal of premises including redundant mobile classrooms which are unfit for purpose. We also welcome the possibility of new buildings to replace other ageing premises.”