THE FUTURE of small rural schools has been thrown into doubt due to mounting debts, falling pupil numbers and nationwide teacher shortages.

Across the Yorkshire Dales, small village schools have been struggling for some time and many have forged links to create a federation in a bid to safeguard their future.

In Wensleydale, West Burton, Askrigg and Bainbridge primary schools have been in partnership since September 2014, with headteacher Charlotte Harper at the helm of all three.

Miss Harper has now informed parents of plans to change the structure of the schools, which would see all key stage two pupils - aged seven to 11 – taught in two classes at the Askrigg school.

However this would leave just 10 pupils at West Burton Primary School, which parents fear could spell the demise of the school.

The overhaul was discussed at a federation governor’s meeting on Thursday, June 30, and would see 20 children from West Burton transported seven miles to Askrigg each day.

Parents have now set up a petition, outlining an alternative proposal, having one key stage two class at Askrigg and the other retained at West Burton.

Jo Mackle, principal primary adviser for North Yorkshire County Council, said government plans for academies to take over could mean the death of small schools, but future of all three schools was strengthened by being part of a federation.

She said: “Village schools everywhere are all under threat. Young families are moving to the towns, rolls are falling and all are facing a teacher shortage. Small schools not part of a federation are much more vulnerable.”

Fran Cartwright, a parent of West Burton School, said: “Parents feel there is a threat to the foundation of our community, and that this decision has been rushed through before the end of term so parents didn’t have sufficient time to make recommendations which would safeguard the future of all three schools.

The situation seems surreal as nearby Leyburn School is oversubscribed giving West Burton scope to increase its numbers in forthcoming years.”

Miss Harper and chair of governors, Di Clegg, reassured parents there were no plans to close West Burton Primary School and that current proposals were not set in stone: parents’ views and alternative suggestions would be considered.

Miss Harper said having advertised nationally and locally, she received applications from 15 candidates for two teaching posts, but only one was deemed good enough.