The primary consideration that all local authorities should have when planning their school places and thinking about school organisation is the interests of the learner and the quality of education that that institution is able to offer young people. You'll be aware of the answers I gave earlier. We are pushing forward with the designation of a list of rural schools and then a presumption against closure. Does that mean that there will never be any changes? I have to be honest and clear with people: no. But what it does mean is that the local authority will have to demonstrate that they have exhausted all other options and they have considered all other options before they take a decision to close a particularly small rural school.

Crucially, as I say, we also need to support the delivery of rural education. There are particular challenges about maintaining high standards, especially in small rural primary schools. So, for instance, you and I will both be aware of schools where, perhaps, the classroom teacher has pupils who are year 4, year 5 and year 6 within a single classroom, and that presents particular challenges in the differentiation of work, for instance. That's why we have made available a small rural schools grant that local authorities have been able to apply for to be able to look at innovative approaches to support the quality of education in our small rural schools, because keeping them open is one thing, but they have to offer excellent opportunities for our young people.