Herefordshire Council has revealed a wide-reaching reorganisation of its education service which could see 40 schools involved in mergers.
The review, carried out by the county council, affects 36 primary schools and four high schools.
Head teachers were given the report results on Thursday.
The council said 12% of the county's school places were empty and population trends indicated this would increase to more than 20% by 2012.
The government has told it it must reduce this figure to 10%.
'Deeply in shock'
A council spokeswoman said the proposals were suggestions and would be debated by the political groups on the council before a decision was taken by the cabinet in April.
Dr Ian Terry, director of education for Hereford Diocese, described Thursday's meeting as "shocking", adding: "As a church we are concerned about all schools.
"The communities they serve will be deeply in shock and what we say to them is that we will give you our support."
Under the proposals, The Minster College and Queen Elizabeth Humanities College will merge to form a new North Herefordshire high school on the Minister site.
Kingstone and Fairfield high schools will also merge, although the site of the new school has not been agreed.
Thirty-six primary schools will be involved in mergers while a number of schools will see their capacities reduced.
Some school sixth forms will also close.
School mergers:
High schools
Primary schools
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