Dec 13, 2022, Scottish Daily Express: SNP ministers accused of 'shamefully neglecting' Scottish education amid raft of damning figures https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-ministers-accused-shamefully-neglecting-28722232
SNP ministers have been urged to invest in Scottish education amid a record high number of pupils being identified with additional support needs (ASN). Figures released on Tuesday showed the number of pupils with ASN, such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems in 2022 reached a record high of 241,639. The number represents around 34.2 per cent of the pupil population, rising from 118,011 in 2012.
In addition, the schools summary statistics showed there were more than 900 fewer teachers in Scottish schools than when the SNP came to power.
In 2022 there were 54,193 teachers compared with 55,100 in 2007. The figures also showed there were also over 350 fewer primary school teachers than last year.
In 2022, there were 25,451 primary school teachers. This compares to 2021 when there were 25,807. Primary school children are also being taught in bigger classes. In 2021, there were 40,441 primary 1-3 pupils in classes of 26 or more pupils.
This is 688 more pupils than in 2021 when there were 39,723 primary 1-3 pupils (P1-3) in classes of 26 or more. Meanwhile, in their 2007 manifesto, the SNP promised ‘We will reduce class sizes in Primary 1, 2 and 3 to eighteen pupils or less to give children more time with their teacher at this vital stage of their development.’
However, in 2022 the figures showed the average class size for P1-3 was 23.3. Critics raised concerns about the figures against a backdrop of a lack of support and proposed budget cuts.
Stephen Kerr, Scottish Conservative Education spokesman, said: “These figures give the lie to Nicola Sturgeon’s claim that education is a priority for her government.
