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.