The Education Authority wants a network of schools “of the right type, of the right size, in the right place” across the North.
It is the latest attempt at trying to merge, close or even expand and open new schools in Northern Ireland.
The Education Authority says its Providing Pathways – Strategic Area Plan for Schools 2017-2020 document will ensure that all children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. There have been area plans before focusing on smaller regions, but this is the first one published by the Education Authority since it took over from the former area boards.
Among the “actions” is a proposed second Irish language post-primary school in Belfast.
It also suggests that oversubscribed schools including Sperrin Integrated College in Ballymena and Belfast Model School for Girls be allowed to admit more pupils.
Elsewhere, it is recommended that Christian Brothers’ School, Corpus Christi College and St Rose’s Dominican College in west Belfast merge.
In Armagh, managing authorities are to consult on options for future provision at City of Armagh High School and Markethill High School by March 2018. This will be to ensure school places “are located as required”.
The Education Authority’s director of education John Collings says the aims is to enhance the quality of education provision and raise standards.
He said: “We want to ensure that all pupils are taught in good, sustainable schools that can effectively meet their educational needs as well as providing a range of opportunities for development in other ways. We have too many schools for the size of our population, particularly at primary school level.
“We must maximise the use of the schools’ estate through sharing and co-operation to ensure that the educational experiences of our young people are the best they can be. This will also help reduce duplication and ensure efficient use of resources.”