Improving Education Efficiency by Consolidating Public Schools with Few Students

Abstract

The study aimed to review the best international practices for the consolidation of public schools in areas with low population density in order to improve the efficiency of public education expenditure. The study used the descriptive analysis method by analyzing documents from the best international practices on the consolidation of public schools. The study used two tools, namely, analyzing documents and interviews with 20 experts. The study found that the best international practices for consolidating schools with a small number of students are based on a national consolidation manual, diversity in standards of consolidation and its alternatives, raising the awareness of the local community, and provision of safe and comfortable school transportation. Finally, the study provided suggestions for consolidating schools to improve the efficiency of public education expenditure in Saudi Arabia.