TEACHERS' jobs look set to be lost as a hefty population dip could leave over 1,100 surplus places in Taunton's primary schools by 2007.

Figures released in Somerset County Council's School Organisation Plan (SOP) this week reveal that most primary schools will see their rolls decrease over the next few years.

Schools get much of their money based on their pupil numbers, so falling rolls mean less funding, leaving head teachers with decisions on staffing levels in coming years.

The surplus space in schools could also be dealt with by removing temporary classrooms or leasing buildings to other organisations.

For each Somerset school, the SOP compares its capacity with its predicted roll up to and including September 2007.

The capacity measure is worked out using a Government formula that looks at floor space for teaching and non-teaching needs.

In the Taunton area there are 898 surplus places in local primary schools this year -- a figure that is set to rise to 1,129 in 2007.

Where schools have more than 30 surplus places -- and many will have by 2007 -- the county will consider a number of options, including turning spare space into a nursery, leasing a building to another organisation, or removing temporary classrooms.

The falling population reflects a national trend.

As a county, the number of primary-age pupils has been falling since 1998 and in 2007 it is estimated there will be six per cent fewer pupils than there are now.