In 1940, there were 890 one teacher schools. Many old bush one teacher schools
were closed from the 1950s onwards. In 2004, there were 133 such schools.
The numbers decreased because:
- There was support for closures from the highest level. The Director-General
of Education, L D Edwards in the 1930s supported a policy of the consolidation
of one teacher schools.
- The Department of Public Instruction made a firm decision to begin implementation
of a policy of consolidation in the 1950s.
- The expansion of the syllabus created the need to centralise rural and
vocational activities.
- There were improvements to roads and more rapid and efficient transport.
- The department expanded school transport services which reduced the number
of one teacher schools built.
- Small schools lost much of their usefulness if they existed in the vicinity
of larger country centres.
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Last updated: December 2007
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