(1) The Minister may
on such terms and conditions as he or she thinks fit —
(a)
amalgamate 2 or more government schools; and
(b)
close any government school either temporarily or permanently.
(2) The powers
conferred by subsection (1) may be exercised in respect of part of a
government school.
(3) If the Minister is
satisfied that a government school is regularly attended by less than the
prescribed number of students the Minister is to either —
(a)
change the classification of the school under section 55(2); or
(b) take
action under subsection (1) in relation to the school.
(4) Subsection (3)
does not apply where the Minister determines that there are significant
educational, economic or social reasons for not complying with that
subsection.