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Village Schools
10 December 2025
Lead MP
Manuela Perteghella
Stratford-on-Avon
LD
Responding Minister
Georgia Gould
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Word Count: 3344
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Manuela Perteghella raised concerns about village schools in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
She calls on the Department for Education to ensure that village schools have adequate funding and support to prevent risk of closure due to poor funding. She also urges a review of the current funding formula to include a protection floor before it is too late for rural schools.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The hon. Member sought the debate due to the importance of village schools for rural communities, highlighting how they contribute to community cohesion and provide a sense of belonging and safety for children. She cited specific concerns about funding pressures and potential closures in her constituency at Great Alne primary school.
West Dorset
Local headmasters report receiving less funding per pupil in rural areas compared to urban settings, suggesting the national funding model does not reflect the increased cost of living and service provision in rural Britain.
Discusses the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which aims to improve school placements. Acknowledges rural schools' challenges and mentions guidance against closing rural schools without strong justification.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member commended the debate and highlighted the importance of village schools in his constituency, specifically mentioning Loughries primary school which became an integrated primary school focusing on providing education to rural children.
Penrith and Solway
Raises concerns about the impact of holiday lets on village populations and local school places, asking if the Minister can raise this issue in housing deliberations.
Newton Abbot
The hon. Member highlighted similar concerns in rural Devon where falling roll numbers pose threats to school sustainability without core funding and transport support.
Sarah Gibson
LD
Chippenham
The hon. Member discussed challenges in her constituency related to rural transport and highlighted how lack of access to public transport penalises children's education in rural areas.
North Norfolk
The hon. Member agreed that current funding does not recognise the importance of village schools to communities and urged the government to review the funding formula to provide a protection floor before closure becomes inevitable.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
The hon. Member agreed that the current funding model for village schools is inadequate, suggesting a need for better support to ensure these community hubs are funded appropriately. Highlights home-to-school transport issues affecting North Yorkshire, advocating for consistent approaches based on catchment areas rather than geographical proximity. Asks the Minister to ensure local authorities listen to parents' concerns regarding school access routes.
Government Response
Georgia Gould
The Minister for School Standards
Government Response
Rural schools receive additional funding through the sparsity factor, with primary schools eligible for up to £57,400 and other schools for up to £83,400. The Government supports careful consideration of school closures and ensures sustainable education settings. Local authorities must manage the school estate efficiently and provide sufficient places in nearby areas for displaced pupils. Responds by highlighting ongoing work with local authorities and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on home-to-school transport issues. Acknowledges consultation processes regarding school closures in Warwickshire while emphasizing the importance of ensuring high-quality education for all children.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.