Urban Rural Classification and Census data used in Rural Schools list: EIR release

Information requested

1. “In the January 2025 Rural Schools list what Census is the statement "2020 (Census) data" referring to, as the last full Census was undertaken in Scotland during 2022?”

2. “Why was the 2020 Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification used in the January 2025 Rural Schools List, given the 2022 Classification had already been issued?”

Response

• “In the January 2025 Rural Schools list what Census is the statement "2020 (Census) data" referring to, as the last full Census was undertaken in Scotland during 2022?”

The reference to “2020 (Census) data” was included in error, and we have now updated our web-page to reflect this. This error in wording did not affect the accuracy of the Rural Schools List . The correct  reference to the data is the SG Urban Rural Classification 2020. You can view the revised web-page here: Rural schools in Scotland: definition - gov.scot

• “Why was the 2020 Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification used in the January 2025 Rural Schools List, given the 2022 Classification had already been issued?”

The 2022 Urban Rural Classification was published in December 2024, after the analysis for the January 2025 Rural Schools List had already been completed. To have used the newer classification would have required redoing the analysis, which would have further delayed publication of the list. As the list has been last updated in 2021 it was decided to proceed using the 2020 classification to prevent delay.

The list was verified with local authorities, and this process took time to complete. Our intention would be to update the Rural Schools List more regularly going forward, potentially on an annual basis, although this will need to be balanced against administrative burdens on local authorities.

We hope this clarifies the basis for the data used in the Rural Schools List and the timing of the classification updates.

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