Education officials have drawn-up plans to reduce the number of places available at five primary schools in Hertfordshire.

It includes Holywell Primary School in Watford where the number of new pupils admitted could drop from 60 to 30.

On Monday (October 18), Hertfordshire county councillors agreed to consult on plans to reduce the number of places.

According to the report presented to the meeting of the cabinet, the changes would improve the future financial sustainability of each of the schools.

And in every case the proposals were said to have the backing of the school’s governing body.

The proposed reduction at Holywell Primary School is said to reflect forecast demand for places at the school, where just 21 reception places were required this September.

Alongside Holywell, Oakmere Primary School in Potters Bar, The Leys Primary and Nursery and Longmeadow Primary in Stevenage, and Brookfield Infant School are set to be involved in the consultation.

The outcome of the consultation will be reported back to the council's cabinet in February next year, and, if approved, the changes would be implemented in 2023/24.

At Monday's meeting, executive member for education, libraries and lifelong learning Cllr Terry Douris said the proposed reduction in numbers at the schools was supported by the governing bodies, adding the reductions would allow classes to operate in a "more coherent manner" than if they were to remain and current numbers. That, he said, would allow resources to be "better utilised".