Education secretary is 'keen to explore and identify solutions' to rural schools' crisis
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Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth is “keen” to “identify and explore possible solutions” to the Highland rural schools’ crisis caused by under-staffing and budget cuts.
The Save Our Rural Schools open letter addressed to Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner and education secretary Jenny Gilruth highlighted grave concerns about provision for senior pupils in four west Highland schools. As that open letter surpassed 900 signatures, Ms Gilruth issued a response acknowledging concerns.
Ms Gilruth also agreed to meet and discuss the issues raised with campaign organisers – one of their key objectives. It currently remains unclear if Cllr Bremner will take part in this meeting.
In her response, the education secretary stated: “The Scottish Government very much understands the ongoing concerns about the recruitment and retention of teachers in remote and rural areas.
“We are keen to work with local authorities like Highland Council to identify and explore possible solutions.”
READ MORE ON THE SAVE OUR RURAL SCHOOLS CAMPAIGN:
- Ullapool High School pupil shares 'detrimental' reality behind virtual learning
- Ross-shire MP backs 'abandoned' constituents as Save Our Rural Schools campaign is stepped up
- West Highland parents say their high schools "are beyond breaking point"
- Ullapool and Gairloch schools' crisis: Education Secretary responds to concerns
The Education secretary also highlighted that the Highland Council have “the financial freedom to operate independently”.
While Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner has responded to the campaign, one insider said it was simply “highlighting what the council is already doing, but saying nothing about what they will do to respond to demands” .
Ms Gilruth said: “Local authorities have the autonomy to provide incentives to attract teachers to their area, using initiatives like free housing for an extended period.
“The Scottish Government’s policy towards local authorities’ spending is to allow local authorities the financial freedom to operate independently."
Detailing what action she has taken, Ms Gilruth said: “I have asked the Strategic Board for Teacher Education to consider, in detail, issues around the recruitment and retention of teachers in Scotland.
“We know that a small number of homes can make a big difference to rural and island communities.
“I know that challenges on recruitment can affect the subjects schools deliver and we do require to work with councils like Highland Council to improve the current offer.”
Acknowledging flaws in the rural education system, she said: “I believe we must have a more bespoke approach than that which currently operates, recognising the challenges faced in our rural communities.”
Concluding her response to the organisers of the Save Our Rural Schools campaign, the education secretary confirmed her commitment to discuss issues raised in the open letter. She said: “I look forward to meeting with the campaign group along with Highland Council in the near future.”
Read the open letter on SaveOurRuralSchools.com
