In its meeting of 11 June 2008, the Rural Development Sub-Committee heard evidence from Professor David Reynolds and Professor Glen Bramley as part of its inquiry into provision of rural education in Wales and reorganisation of rural schools.

The following points were made during discussion:

• The negative perception of small school closures is media generated with a focus on protests against closure without a comparison of the better facilities that can result from a larger school
• The Assembly should carry out a study that looks at academic achievement adjusted for background in larger and smaller schools.
• Reduced running costs, better attainment levels, improved management, release of funds for capital investment are factors that would lead local authorities towards deciding to reorganize schools

For full details, please read the Committee transcript.