Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Helen Morgan and Robin Walker

Monday 23rd May 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mr Robin Walker]

I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend.

[Helen Morgan (North Shropshire) (LD)]

T10. A recent investigation by Schools Week found that rural schools make up 40% of school closures, which is an increasing proportion. Small community schools are having to fight for survival, but they are central to their communities. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that rural schools stay open?

[Mr Walker]

We have a presumption against closure for rural schools, but we also want to make sure, through a fairer funding formula, that they are properly funded according to the cohorts of people and the sparsity of the area that they serve, rather than according to a formula that was set up decades ago.