Data from local government analysed by Scottish Labour demonstrates that funding per pupil in our primary and secondary schools has fallen since 2010/11 under the SNP government. The average level of reduction is £427 (7.9%) per primary school pupil and £265 (3.7%) per secondary school pupil.

In West Dunbartonshire, spending has reduced at roughly the same level as the national average.

In response to these reductions, Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“The continuing financial cuts are impacting on the quality of education of our pupils.

“The reduction in per head spending per school pupil, as a result of government budget cuts has had a further negative effect on local level schooling. Over the last five years West Dunbartonshire’s primary school pupils have seen a £450 decrease in spend per head, whilst secondary school pupils funding per pupil has reduced by £232.

“Such a reduction in spending per pupil inevitably leads to a reduction in the quality of education for our students. Without sufficient funding school budgets will continue to narrow resulting in a larger pupil to teacher ratio, and in turn overworked teachers.

“In order to improve the quality of Scottish education and give the young people of Scotland the best start possible, school budgets need to be improved. Reducing costs per pupil does nothing to guarantee the quality of education for all. ”