Education: Smaller and Rural Schools 8th October 2013

I propose to take questions 100, 259, 261 together.

I am aware of the concerns of smaller schools and rural schools. Our overall
primary school enrolment has been growing rapidly in recent years and this is
going to continue. In managing the resource consequences of this, it is
important that decisions on school provision and organisation are based on a
rigorous evaluation of requirements and needs, not just at a local level but
also at both regional and national levels. Our current configuration of small
primary schools has been examined by my Department in a value for money review
which is currently under consideration. This review takes account of the ethos
of schools and the locations of small schools relative to other schools of a
similar type. The report’s contents will be carefully considered with my
Government colleagues prior to its publication. The Government is mindful of
the concerns of small schools and will take these concerns into account in
considering any planning framework for future provision of primary schools.