Education Secretary ‘disappointed’ at teacher number fall as more money pledged

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth says she is “disappointed” by the drop in Scotland’s teacher numbers, as she set out further money for councils to tackle the issue.

Labour accused Ms Gilruth of having no long-term strategy to fix the problem and simply offering “more of the same”.

On Tuesday morning, figures showed numbers have dropped to 53,412 full time equivalent (FTE) teachers, down by 621 from last year.

The vast majority of the fall was among primary school teachers.

She said: “However, I am disappointed that teacher numbers have reduced in the past 12 months, despite the additionality provided by the Scottish Government of £145.5 million.”

She added: “I am very pleased that in this year’s Budget, the Government has continued to recognise the importance of teacher numbers by uplifting the £145.5 million by £41 million.”

A further £28 million will go towards ASN teachers, she said, adding that a deal has been reached with local councils to restore teacher numbers to 2023 levels next year.

Ms Gilruth acknowledged there are “persistent and stubborn challenges” in teacher employment, referring to her own experience as a department head before entering politics.

She also said the new money will go towards offering newly-qualified teachers permanent posts rather than probationary roles.

Labour’s education spokeswoman Pam Duncan-Glancy was critical of the SNP minister’s statement, saying: “With no specifics on a change of direction and little reflection on the reality facing schools today, this is more of the same.

“It isn’t a strategy and it isn’t long-term.”

Tory education spokesman Miles Briggs said: “This statement does precious little to address the SNP’s 17 years of appalling failure in Scottish education.

“Shocking new statistics reveal that the SNP are presiding over a fall in teachers in our classrooms and an ever-growing number of pupils are persistently absent.”