40% of school closures in last decade rural schools, up 20% from previous decade.
Between 2000-2009, 424 schools closed without being replaced and 85 of them were in rural areas.
Since 2010, fewer schools have closed, at 230 but a higher proportion were in rural areas, with 98 closing.
Northumberland had the highest number of closures in the country, with 19 schools closing.
Primary Schools were are the most likely to close, with primaries accounting for 80% of rural school closures since 2000.
The decrease in number of overall closures is likely to be down to academisation, however, rural schools may find this difficult either due to financial reasons or being geographically isolated which can make rural schools less appealing to Multi Academy Trusts.
The figures come amid concerns over funding for schools across the country, with small, rural schools particularly vulnerable to tightening budgets. In 2018 data from the County Councils Network showed that 29 of 36 county councils reduced their expenditure on home to school transport, affecting over 22,000 pupils.
You can read more on this story at schoolsweek.co.uk