Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Small Rural Schools

Monday 22 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial recognition of small schools' essential role in rural areas
  • Government provides additional funding through national funding formula
  • Minister agrees village schools have a special place in rural communities

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steffan Aquarone Lib Dem North Norfolk
Education Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from concerns over the impact of school closures on rural communities, specifically noting the closure of Corpusty school and the outdated guidance regarding small rural schools.

Question

What steps are being taken to support small schools in rural communities? Across North Norfolk there are small rural schools just like Corpusty, worried about facing closure. Will the Minister commit to undertaking new research and publishing up-to-date guidance so that small rural primary schools can be protected?

Answer from Georgia Gould

The Government recognise the essential role of small schools in rural areas. The national funding formula provides additional funding through the lump sum and sparsity factor. I welcome the hon. Member's taking time to discuss pressures on small schools, met local council about supporting these issues, happy to continue conversations on the Government's work to support rural schools which we prioritise and fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to undertake new research and publish up-to-date guidance was not specifically addressed.

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Q2 Steffan Aquarone Lib Dem North Norfolk
Education Local Government
Context

There is concern about the closure of Corpusty school and similar small rural schools in North Norfolk. The Department for Education's research on running a small rural school was published eight years ago.

Question

Will the Minister commit to undertaking new research and publishing up-to-date guidance so that small rural primary schools can be protected?

Answer from Georgia Gould

I welcome the hon. Member's taking time to meet me about pressures on small schools, followed by meeting local council to support these issues. I am happy to continue conversations on Government's work to prioritise and fund rural school support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to undertake new research and publish up-to-date guidance was not specifically addressed.

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Q3 Peter Prinsley Lab Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Education Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from concerns about per-pupil funding in very small classes and the uncertain future of village schools. The head of Barningham school has explained these issues.

Question

I met with Stephany Hunter, head of Barningham school, who explained the difficult problem of per-pupil funding in her very small classes. Does the Minister agree that village schools have a very special place in the heart of our rural communities?

Answer from Georgia Gould

I wholeheartedly agree with my good friend, who is a great champion for rural schools; they have a very special place at the heart of our communities. The national funding formula allocates funding based on need and includes benefits to small schools through the lump sum element.

Answered
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