Small schools given some protection in new strategy

A ‘FLEXIBLE approach’ has been agreed when it comes to making major decisions over the future of schools in the region.

That was at the heart of a education strategy for the region which was agreed this week by councillors.

The Learning Estate and Rural School Strategy (2026-2031) was signed off by members of the education, skills, and community wellbeing committee.

It contains an assurance that small schools, with just two classes, will still be viable in remote rural areas of Dumfries and Galloway.

Annandale South Councillor George Jamieson is pleased with the decision and said: “There’s no one-size-fits-all and there’s an opportunity for flexibility.

“We don’t, for example, rule out two class schools in certain situations. So it’s very well balanced.”

Primary teacher Julie Irving, who also sits on the committee, added: “This is laying things out very clearly. So everybody who’s involved in schools will understand the process.

“It gives us greater clarity of what is going to happen, what potentially could happen in the discussions that are going to take place.

“It is reassuring to see that some of our smaller schools will be protected.”