Parents in Dumfries and Galloway Form Alliance to Support Small and Rural Schools
Parents in Dumfries and Galloway (D&G) have come together to form an alliance, aiming to highlight the importance of small and rural schools in the region. The group has launched a petition called “Wee Schools Still Matter,” which seeks to demonstrate to the local education department that the current council model for schools is flawed, particularly in its treatment of smaller, rural schools.
According to the petition, 20% of primary schools in the region are at risk of closure in the near future, with 50% potentially facing closure in the longer term. The alliance argues that such closures would significantly impact rural communities and may force young families to relocate away from these areas.
The group emphasises that D&G is a rural community that relies on local schools to support jobs and maintain community cohesion. Many of these small schools perform above average academically, offering a more pupil-focused approach to learning. The smaller teacher-to-pupil ratios in these schools are said to contribute to better academic outcomes and enhanced student well-being.
Wee Schools Still Matter – Petition
The council has proposed these closures as a cost-saving measure, but the alliance challenges the council’s figures. Based on freedom of information data, the group claims that the projected savings from closing small schools would instead be used to fund transport, such as taxis for students, potentially increasing costs.
The petition calls on elected members to:
- Stop the recommendation to mothball small and rural schools.
- Halt the proposal to reduce the number of classes within schools.
The alliance believes decisions about schools should be made by head teachers in partnership with local communities. They argue that the council should focus on supporting small and rural schools and work with them to ensure they operate at their full potential.
For more information, visit the petition’s website at www.weeshoolsmatter.org or contact the group via email at [email protected]
