THE number of newly qualified teachers in Scotland going straight into employment has risen by nearly 30% under the SNP Government.
According to figures released by the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe), the cohort of newly qualified teachers in posts at publicly funded schools in the year following their probation has risen from 57% in 2007/08 to 84% in 2018/19.
Analysis also revealed that the number of teachers in Scotland under the age of 45 had also risen to 61.5% of the workforce as of last year.
Back in 2009, the majority of Scotland’s teachers were aged over 45.
Commenting on the figures, SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “It’s not always easy to match newly qualified teachers with their chosen school or local authority, and the coronavirus crisis has presented new challenges for teachers.
“But under the leadership of the SNP Government, Scotland has a first-class record of ensuring that our schools are supported by a strong cohort of newly-qualified teachers.
“Education is the SNP’s number one priority and by encouraging more young teachers into our classrooms we’re building a committed workforce fit for the future.
“There’s work to do if we are to close the education attainment gap in Scotland’s schools, but the SNP are determined to continue working hard to ensure that each and every child is given the best possible start in life.”
Earlier this year, Education Secretary John Swinney pledged £50 million for the recruitment of approximately 850 extra teachers and around 200 ASN staff to support the re-opening of schools following lockdown closures.
Schools were met with challenges over teacher numbers upon returning after the summer break, with new Covid-19 restrictions forcing the classroom to be re-structured.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here