SCHOOLS across are being hit by falling rolls, figures show.

As many as 14 schools in Monmouthshire and seven in Torfaen have "significant surplus places", as defined by the Assembly. Assembly guidelines state a significant surplus is where 25 per cent of a school's capacity, and at least 30 places, are currently unfilled.

It says where there is an excessive surplus of places, authorities should review their provision and, where it can, make proposals for their removal.

Falling birth rates have been blamed for the figures.

An Assembly spokesman said it is important that funding for education is used cost effectively.

He added: "Some surplus places are necessary to enable schools to cope with fluctuations in numbers of pupils, but excessive numbers of unused places mean that resources are tied up unproductively."

Monmouthshire has been conducting a review of its education provision – including surplus places – since 2002.

Council leader Peter Fox said since the review began the council has closed 18 schools, opened nine new ones and removed 900 spare places.

He said: “If you have money invested in empty desks, that’s money that could be spent on children’s education.”