Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper investigates how Scottish rural schools engage with their broader educational landscape, particularly through collaborative practices and capacity-building efforts. It examines how these schools cultivate a culture of partnership, both among institutions and within their communities, to strengthen leadership and enhance teaching and learning. Guided by Place-Based Education (PBE) as its conceptual framework, the study emphasises equity challenges rooted in local contexts and situates rural education within Scotland’s historical, societal, and policy landscape. Drawing on qualitative case studies of five schools, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with principals and supported by documentary evidence and student attainment data from national assessments. The findings showcase school leaders’ efforts to enhance social and educational outcomes and build sustainable, equity-driven systems. The paper concludes with implications for policy and practice, addressing equitable access, workforce recruitment and retention, and the potential for schools to collaborate with local and regional stakeholders to strengthen rural education.
Source: Education Sciences
Author: Michalis Constantinides
Institution: University of Glasgow
Language: English
Topic: Education in Rural Contexts
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
Funder: University of Glasgow
OpenAlex ID: W7123345551