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Updated: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 | Printer Friendly Version | |

LATEST TEACHER STATISTICS SHOWTHAT PROGRESS ON THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT'S CLASS SIZE REDUCTIONS IS STALLING

The latest Scottish Government statistics on the number of teachers employed in Scotland's schools illustrate that teacher numbers have fallen by almost 1000 in the last year and that progress towards the government's class size reduction target is stalling.

The total number of teachers in all sectors of education is now at its lowest level since 2004 (see table 1.2 on page 10 of the Scottish Government statistical bulletin).

Teacher to pupil ratios remain unchanged in the last year, suggesting that average class sizes also remain unchanged over this period.

Commenting on the new figures, EIS General Secretary Ronnie Smith said, “These new official statistics confirm that the number of teachers working in our schools is falling. The total number of teachers working in our schools is now at its lowest level since 2004. Pupil to teacher ratios remain unchanged, which highlights that the Scottish Government's strategy of simply relying on falling pupil numbers and holding teacher numbers in order to lower class sizes is just not working.”

Mr Smith added, “The Scottish Government has made commitments to maintain teacher numbers at 2007 levels, and to lower class sizes across Scotland. Based on today's official figures, they must step up their efforts to meet these commitments. With a significant number of recently qualified teachers struggling to find permanent teaching posts, there is a clear opportunity for the Scottish Government and local authorities to solve this problem and reverse the decline in the number of teachers working in our schools.”

Mr Smith went on to say, “The Scottish Government has clearly stated their intention to maintain teacher numbers at 2007 levels in order to cut class sizes. The pupils, parents and teachers of Scotland fully expect these commitments to be met.”

Mr Smith also warned, “It is important to remember that these statistics highlight teacher numbers that were set early last year, before the true scale of the economic crisis and associated cuts to local authority budgets became clear. There is very real concern that we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg, and that worse is yet to come as local authorities look to implement further cuts in their education budgets for next year and beyond.”

He added, “Smaller class sizes are absolutely essential if Scottish education is to deliver the best opportunities for all young people. As Scotland's schools work towards delivery of the new Curriculum for Excellence, smaller class sizes are a necessity. With a move towards more individualised learning for each pupil under the Curriculum for Excellence, smaller class sizes must be delivered to allow each pupil sufficient time with their teacher. Only by lowering class sizes and by freeing up teaching time to work on the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence, can we succeed in delivering an improved educational experience that will offer better opportunities for all young people to achieve their true potential.”