SMALL rural primary schools must form effective partnerships and collaborations if they are to survive into the future and continue to be a vital part of rural community life, says a new report published by the Church of England.

Working Together released by the Church of England's National Education Office says that rural schools are one of the state's last remaining points of contact with rural communities and they have a key role in rural life. But it warns that the days of the individual autonomous small school are numbered as they face financial challenges particularly with likely changes to the way schools are funded and falling rolls in rural areas.

The Church of England is responsible for more than 50 per cent of the 4,146 small rural schools in England (with less than 210 pupils) as 200 years ago it set out to offer education to all when the landscape was very different.

The report points out the benefits of collaboration with other schools, creating formal partnerships and shares case studies from around the country where this has been done successfully. It also notes that few rural schools have the capacity to convert to academy status without support - and says the Church of England already has support structures in place with diocesan Multi Academy Trusts (MATs).

Michael Mill, Director of Education, Children and Young People for the Diocese of Carlisle, said: “The warnings contained in this report are very pertinent to us here in Cumbria.

“The Diocese of Carlisle has 105 schools across our county. Sixty of them have fewer than 100 pupils on roll. We are continuing to explore what best collaborative practices can be adopted as we move forward.

“Rural schools are facing increasing budgetary pressures and more emphasis on a partnership approach will help alleviate that. The Church of England report recognises the need for structural collaboration and the formation of our Multi Academy Trust – The Good Shepherd provides one way forward.”

The report also suggests proactively using parts of the school building for other services including post offices, community centres, nurseries and even relocating the church.

It goes on to issue a 'dare to be different' challenge to schools in their teaching approach: one example is introducing virtual learning already working effectively in the Scottish Highlands and parts of Australia and New Zealand.

The Rev Nigel Genders, the Church of England's Chief Education Officer, said: "In the current education landscape small rural schools face some tough challenges which are not simple to resolve and are often expressed in negative terms. This report is about suggesting a range of collaborative and innovative ways forward for these schools, which clearly have a key role in rural life, while not shying away from the difficult questions."