Closing schools has been ruled out as an option in a review of primary schools places in Harrow.

But some schools in the east of the borough may be reduced in size as the council tries to cut capacity to meet demand.

The council's education committee is looking at Glebe First and Middle School in Kenton; Kenmore Park First and Middle Schools, Kenton; Little Stanmore First and Middle School, and Stag Lane First and Middle School in Edgware, which have between 34 and 178 excess places. It has set up a working group of education officers and representatives from these and other schools in the area.

A council spokesman said: "Any changes will be consulted upon extensively, with the governing bodies of all schools involved, during the autumn term."

The problem was highlighted during discussions about the future of RAF Stanmore Park, where a a new school may be built as part of a housing development, and the Government recently announced a crackdown on under-subscribed schools.

Pauline Chandler, head of Kenmore Park First School, said: "The roll is slightly down at the moment and any extra provision in the area would probably affect us. There are quite a few schools quite close together."

Her school has three-form entry, which could be reduced. She said this would be a nightmare as there were far too many children for two-form entry. Head of the middle school, Jacqueline Vaz, said it was not under-subscribed to the same extent, but the problem could filter up.

Education committee chairman Councillor Maureen de Beer said it was difficult to explain the surplus capacity.

"Schools close to borough boundaries tend to be more at risk," she said. But Brent's planned residential development in De Havilland Road, near Stag Lane school, might alter demand in that area.

The working group will make its suggestions to the committee in June.

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