This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Teacher numbers rising
27/03/2007
Teacher numbers in Scotland are on the up and the Executive is on track to meet its 53,000 target later this year, acording to the latest statistics.
They show there are 867 more teachers in Scottish classrooms, including pre-school, with pupil teacher ratios improving across the board.
Key findings include:
- There are 867 more teachers in Scottish classrooms than a year ago
- Since 1999, primary pupil teacher ratios have improved from 19.1:1 to 16.3:1
- Secondary pupil teacher ratios have improved from 12.9:1 to 12:1
- The number of maths teachers is up from 2,293 in 2003 to 2,654
- The number of English teachers has risen from 2,412 in 2003 to 2,796
- In 2006, 3,906 students graduated from teacher training, compared with 1,784 in 1999
Education Minister Hugh Henry said:
"These figures are great news for parents, teachers and pupils throughout Scotland. Every extra teacher is making a difference to the lives of the pupils they teach.
"More teachers, combined with falling school rolls, mean more pupils are getting the best possible chance to fulfil their potential. The extra teachers will enable councils to cut class sizes at two key stages of pupils' school careers - in primary one and for maths and English in the first two years of secondary.
"Our target to increase teacher numbers to 53,000 was undoubtedly ambitious - and many people questioned whether it was achievable. But today's figures show - at 52,879 - that we've actually come close to meeting the target a year ahead of schedule.
"I have no doubt that the target will be met in August, when the next graduates join the classroom. The challenge then is to ensure that everyone involved in delivering education - from national and local government to headteachers and teachers - ensures that all pupils get the maximum possible benefit."