This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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More teachers in the classroom
27/06/2006
The number of vacant teaching posts in Scotland has almost halved over the past year - falling 44 per cent from 439 to 245 - according to to latest figures published today.
English vacancies have fallen 66 per cent from 39 to 13, while the number of vacant maths posts is down 70 per cent from 33 to 10.
Education Minister Peter Peacock described the figures as 'outstanding' and highlighted the success of the Executive's drive to increase teacher numbers.
The statistics also reveal that 3,787 new teachers are preparing to start their teaching careers in Scottish classrooms in August.
The Executive has set a target of 53,000 teachers by next year, cutting class sizes and improving pupil:teacher ratios while pupil numbers continue to fall. Scotland currently has 52,179 teachers, up 892 from the previous year.
Mr Peacock said:
"These are outstanding results. Teachers are the lifeblood of our schools, helping to inspire, motivate and inform a new generation of ambitious, confident Scots.
"That's why we're investing heavily in recruiting the brightest and best into our classrooms, boosting teacher numbers at a time when pupil numbers are falling.
"Today's vacancy statistics are good news for all those involved in our schools - we now have more teachers, in classrooms, working to improve our children's futures.
"We've also got more probationers than ever before set to join the profession. All this means we're absolutely on track to meet our target to cut class sizes and increase teacher numbers to 53,000 - indeed we may come close to meeting our targets on teacher numbers a year early."
The number of vacancies refers to posts which have been vacant for more than three months.
The induction scheme guarantees all newly-qualified teachers a one year placement which allows probationer teachers to reach the standard for full registration in one year. They have the dedicated support of a mentor and scheduled time out of class for continuous professional development.