This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish education enjoys 'unprecedented' investment
18/01/2005
Latest figures show that spending on school education
rose by 10 per cent to £3.9 billion last year.
Education Minister Peter Peacock said it was
unprecedented investment in Scottish education that was
laying solid foundations for even more success in the
future.
Mr Peacock said that continued investment was delivering
results for Scotland's pupils - better schools and
equipment, more staff and better paid and better motivated
teachers giving rise to better pupil results and
opportunities.
Expenditure on School Education in Scotland,
2005 shows that:
- Spending has risen by 10 per cent on the previous
year and is at an all-time high
- The average expenditure per primary pupil is £3,537
- up 12 per cent from £3,148
- The average expenditure per secondary pupil is
£5,058 - up 9 per cent from £4,657
Mr Peacock said:
"This Executive committed itself to sorting out the
legacy of years of underinvestment in schools. The figures
published today show we are delivering on the commitment
with almost £4 billion spent on schools last year, an
increase of 10 per cent.
"Across the board - from pre-school and primary to
secondary and special education - the money is delivering
results. Our pupils' attainment is rising and Scotland
ranks among the top performing nations in the world in
education. Our investment is to ensure more success in the
future.
"The growth is set to continue as we increase teacher
numbers and reduce class sizes in P1 and for S1/2 English
and maths to raise attainment even higher.
"The vast majority of spending goes directly to schools
or funds vital services for those most in need across a
council area - from free school meals and transport to
schools and support for special needs pupils.
"This continued, and unprecedented, investment in
education reflects our commitment to all Scotland's young
people and our determination to ensure each and every one
gets the chance to be all they can be."