One primary school is closing every month in rural England – as young families are increasingly priced out of villages and migrate to urban areas where there is cheaper housing, three campaign groups revealed today.

The National Housing Federation, National Association for Small Schools (NASS) and Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) warned a lack of affordable housing in the countryside for local families on modest wages was fuelling rural primary school closures, which have increased significantly over the last five years.

They also warned that the problem, which is accelerating, is now so great that 200 small primary schools in rural England could close over the next five years, as local authorities look to make efficiency savings and streamline the delivery of services.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Federation reveal that between 2004 and 2008, 62 rural primary schools closed permanently, an average of 12 a year – with 13 in 2008, 14 in 2007 and 13 in 2006.


This is the highest level of closures since the 1990s. Just one small rural primary school closed in 2001 and 13 primary schools closed in rural areas between 2000 and 2003, an average of just three a year.

During the 1970s, 80s and 90s many small rural primary schools were closed, with 30 a year being shut up to 1997.

This prompted government guidance to councils in 1998 to presume that rural primary schools should not close.

However, declining numbers of children in many rural areas has prompted many councils to start shutting village schools again.

A lack of affordable homes in rural areas is driving thousands of young people and families from the countryside to urban areas every year – with villages becoming increasingly populated by older people, wealthy commuters and second home owners.

The Federation is calling on local housing authorities to draw up action plans to address the housing needs of their communities, and ensure that local villages are sustainable.

Rural house prices tend to be well above the national average, while rural incomes are well below the national average – and this affordability gap has widened over the last five years.

Federation Director Ruth Davison said: "The foundations of traditional village life are rapidly disappearing as a lack of affordable housing turns many rural areas into family-free zones.

"We've already seen village shops and pubs close in record numbers, and if the schools close too – community life in many rural areas will be wiped out.

"Local authorities need to assess just how many affordable homes are needed in each rural ward, and draw up action plans to get those homes delivered, before more small village schools are closed and traditional village life dies on its feet."

(CD/KMcA)