Navigating challenges in small rural schools: Unveiling socio-economic realities

In our previous discussion, we explored the hurdles of pinpointing poverty in rural areas, particularly due to statistical approaches falling short in identifying pockets of deprivation in less populated regions. While small schools and rural schools share similarities, our focus in this series is on shedding light on the unique challenges faced by small schools in rural settings.

In this second instalment, we zoom in on the problems faced by rural residents, compounding the difficulties already experienced in low-income households. Factors contributing to families being at a high risk of deprivation in rural areas add layers of complexity to poverty identification, creating a diverse mix of socio-economic backgrounds within schools.

Wages earned in rural areas are notably lower than those in urban areas, with the average earnings in mainly rural regions ranking as the lowest nationally. However, this statistic specifically accounts for wages earned within rural areas. When considering the overall income of people living in rural areas — accounting for those employed in higher-paying urban jobs — a significant economic gap emerges. This disparity poses challenges in accurately identifying deprivation (Official Statistics of Rural Earnings, 2021).

The cost of living in rural areas significantly surpasses that of urban counterparts, as highlighted in ​‘THE RURAL PREMIUM: exploring the impact of the cost-of-living crisis in rural areas.’ This report by The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse reveals that individuals in rural areas typically spend 10 – 20% more on everyday necessities than those in urban areas (p14). Increased fuel costs for transportation and heating, along with elevated expenses for goods and housing, contribute to this discrepancy.