Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has called out the Scottish Government for its failure to return teacher numbers to the level that they were when it assumed power in 2007, despite the COVID-19 recruitment drive.

Statistics published today have revealed that the number of full-time equivalent teachers in Scotland’s schools is 1,700 fewer than when the SNP assumed office in 2007.

The statistics also show that the ratio of pupils to teachers in Scotland’s secondary schools is at its highest since 2013.

Jackie Baillie has said that these statistics demonstrate the failure of the SNP to properly support pupils by boosting teacher numbers over its 13 years in power.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“Today’s statistics are clear evidence that the Scottish Government has failed to boost teacher numbers and support pupils despite being in power for over a decade.

“Despite improvements on last year’s statistics, the SNP is still unable to match the level of teachers provided by the Scottish Labour-led Executive in 2007.

“Scotland’s pupils have endured a wasted 13 years under the SNP. It’s time for the Scottish Government to take action to reverse the damage it has done to schooling in Scotland.”