Industry News
Shropshire's schools 'need review'
Posted on 19th September 2007
Falling student numbers in Shropshire mean there will be nearly 5,500 unused spaces over the next five years, it has been reported.
Shropshire county council estimates there will be 3,500 fewer children in its primary schools by 2012 compared to 2001, reports the BBC.
Schools have been told a review will be necessary as smaller classes are allocated less funding, the broadcaster said.
Ann Hartley, county council cabinet member for children's services said smaller schools cost more per pupil than the county receives for their education and so "draw resources from other schools".
Each primary school is allocated £3,551 for each pupil, the BBC writes.
Liz Nicholson, who works for children and young people's services in Shropshire, told the broadcaster: "By ensuring no child travels more than six miles to a rural school, some schools with less than four classes will need to form an important part of the network."
The council anticipated this fall more than two years ago when it was warned the decreasing numbers could cause the loss of over £500,000 a year in funding, the BBC reported in 2004.