CHALLENGES facing schools in North Yorkshire will be the latest focus for the county’s independent Rural Commission.
Following evidence-gathering sessions on food, farming and the environment; jobs and the economy; and housing, the eight commissioners will sit this month to hear about the challenges and opportunities surrounding schools and education in the county.
Supported by the County Council, the commission consists of experts in rural economics, policy, community-led ventures, agriculture and the environment, business and media.
The Commission Chair, the Very Rev John Dobson DL, Dean of Ripon, said: “Village schools play a crucial role in the life of their communities. Funding is tied to pupil numbers, so falling rolls because of changing demography in rural areas, due partly to a lack of affordable housing for young families and suitable rural employment, means small schools face a very tough financial situation.
“The Commission will want to understand the challenges and the issues that contribute to them, as well as building a picture of what people think good education looks like.”
In North Yorkshire, a large proportion of school provision is in rural settings and the county has the highest number of small schools in England.
Arkengarthdale school closed after serving its village for more than 350-years Picture: Google
They face the risk of falling school rolls and financial difficulty.
The level of deficit among schools in North Yorkshire is high and increasing and the County Council has lobbied the government for better funding for the county’s schools.
North Yorkshire is ranked 129th out of 149 local authorities for secondary school allocation and the lump sum for rural schools has halved.
Countywide, school places in urban areas are projected to rise alongside a decline in rural areas.
The average number on roll in local authority-maintained primary school is 128, but 99 have fewer than 80 pupils and 51 have fewer than 50 pupils.
The Commission is also interested in access to opportunities for young people, for example access to public transport to travel to further education.
Dean John said: “A lack of access to opportunities for young people is a significant issue when we consider the age demographic of our rural areas and the need to retain young people.”
He added: “Again, I thank everyone who has so far sent us evidence and presented to the commissioners.
“I hope more will take this opportunity to help us to support our county’s most rural communities.”
The commissioners will hear some evidence in person, but will also examine submissions made to them via the email address RuralCommission@northyorks.gov.uk
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