PRIMARY schools could be lumped together as part of a new education review.One of the far-reaching proposals discussed by council chiefs could see the creation of 'federations' in primary school education.

PRIMARY schools could be lumped together as part of a new education review.

One of the far-reaching proposals discussed by council chiefs could see the creation of 'federations' in primary school education.

The plan would see one super-head at the top of the pile possibly linked to one group of school governors.

A report discussed by Suffolk County Council's executive committee suggests such a move would free management time and make the schools more efficient.

The document will be circulated to schools and governors throughout the county as the council bids to generate more debate.

There are 255 primary schools in Suffolk ranging from 22 to 643 pupils.

And the report aims to steer a course which will benefit the smallest and largest.

Other items discussed in the report include using surplus classrooms to accommodate community services and what to do with surplus vacancies.

Tony Lewis, member of the council's executive committee, said: "The ideas in the paper we considered have come together from discussions in the education community in recent years.

"It is important that we have a wide-ranging debate and work with schools to find creative solutions to the issues we face.

"We want to make sure our children get the best start in life – and to do this we need to make sure our primary schools remain the success story they are now."