NSW plan to close ‘significant’ gap between city and country school students flawed, watchdog finds

Auditor general's report says some regional schools rely on local retired teachers to cover staff absences, leading to lower educational outcomes

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The significant gaps" between the education and wellbeing outcomes of students in regional and remote parts of New South Wales and their city counterparts are unlikely to close, according to an audit of the education department's strategy.

The scathing report handed down by the state's auditor general, Margaret Crawford, found the department was unlikely to achieve its vision" for education equality across the state due to shortcomings in its own strategy's design and implementation.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup