Up to four more primary schools could be in line for closure as part of the city council's review of primary education provision, it was revealed today.

Three small schools – Stockwood Green, St George's Church of England Primary and St Pius X Catholic Primary – are already earmarked to shut. But mergers could mean the closure of Avon Primary in Shirehampton and one or even both of Ilminster Avenue Primary and Connaught Primary in Knowle West.

Now a report to councillors suggests that another small school – St Bernard's Catholic Primary in Shirehampton – could be closed if a link with another school cannot be agreed.

But other proposals for mergers could be dropped after provoking opposition.

The council's ruling Labour cabinet is due to decide on final recommendations for the primary review on September 25. But first, members of the all-party children's services scrutiny commission will be asked for their views.

A report to the commission meeting on Monday says officers have received 570 responses to the proposals, which were unveiled in May.

Nearly 450 raised objections to aspects of the review, while 99 put forward alternative ideas. As a result of the public consultation, officers are looking at adding two major schemes and at taking up some of the suggestions.

The schools receiving good news are Bannerman Road in Easton, which could now be expanded, and St Bonaventure's in Bishopston, which could now be rebuilt.

But St Bernard's is now facing the possibility of closure as there has been resistance to a link-up – or federation – with Our Lady of the Rosary in Lawrence Weston, which would see the Catholic schools run by one head and one governing body.

In the new report, council officers have said "closure of St Bernard's and expansion of Our Lady of the Rosary is another alternative".

The main focus for the scrutiny commission will be on changes to schools between 2010 and 2013. Schemes in the earliest phase are already well under way and a further review will be needed in 2011 to take account of population changes before proceeding with the projects proposed for five years' time and beyond.

Councillors will be asked to advise the cabinet to help ensure that surplus places are cut across the city.

The authority has to cut the number of empty desks at schools in outlying areas to ensure it secures money from the Government to provide more spaces in the inner city, where pupil numbers are growing rapidly.