Engage NewsLocal authority representatives, parents, headteachers and experts will be part of the new Commission on Rural Education, it was announced today.

The Commission, chaired by Sheriff David Sutherland from Tain, is tasked with examining both how the delivery of rural education can maximise the attainment and life chances of young people in rural areas, and the link between rural education and rural communities.

The Commission will also review the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and its application and make recommendations on the delivery of all aspects of education in rural areas.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:

“Access to high quality educational opportunities is key to the sustainability of rural communities.

“The Commission on Rural Education is now tasked with looking at all aspects of education in rural areas. The individuals gathered together strike the right balance of all the interests at stake here, as well as being a knowledgeable group of experts on these issues. I am very glad that the Scottish Government and COSLA have been able to agree on remit and membership, and commit to jointly support the Commission. 

“It is very helpful that those who deliver education are fully engaged along with communities and parents to make sure we are getting it absolutely right for school pupils in rural areas.

“The group will report back next spring with a number of recommendations on the way forward for the delivery of education in rural areas.”

COSLA President Councillor Pat Watters said: 

“Local Government has no greater responsibility than the delivery of education. Local authorities are committed to providing all children in Scotland with the best possible education no matter where they live. I am therefore pleased that the Commission will include some very experienced and knowledgeable people from across local government and beyond.

“The task in front of the Commission is not an easy one, but I feel sure that with the expertise round the table it will produce a thoughtful report. Along with the Cabinet Secretary I look forward to seeing the recommendations next year.”

Current membership of the Commission on Rural Education is as follows:

- Sheriff David Sutherland (chair)
- Stephen Hagan – Leader of Orkney Council
- Anne Robertson – Leader of Aberdeenshire Council
- Terry Loughran – Education Convener of Inverclyde Council
- Peter Mackenzie – Education Convener of East Lothian Council
- Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, representing SOLACE
- Glenn Rodger – Director of Education at Scottish Borders Council, representing ADES
- Peter Ferguson – Headteacher at Auchterhouse Primary School in Angus
- Sandy Longmuir, Scottish Rural Schools Network
- Anne Baird, Argyll Rural Schools Network
- Professor Cara Aitchison, Head of Moray House School of Education
- Professor Bill Slee, James Hutton Institute
- Bob Cree-Hay of the National Parents Forum
- Plus two members to be nominated – one from the third sector and one from a rural background.

The Commission’s remit is:

- To review the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and its application
- To examine how the delivery of rural education can maximise attainment and outcomes to give pupils the best life chances, and to examine, where appropriate, how this can be applied more widely
- To make recommendations on how to reflect best practice on the delivery of all aspects education in rural areas (pre-school through to Higher and Further Education)
- To examine the links between rural education and the preservation, support and development of rural communities and to make recommendations on how these links might be strengthened if necessary
- To examine and make recommendations on funding issues surrounding rural education.