The Scottish Government faces pressure to improve education following the UK Budget boost, while grappling with potential cuts to primary teacher training targets.
Labour’s education spokesperson, Pam Duncan-Glancy, has called on the government to use the additional £1.5 billion this year and £3.4 billion next year to address declining educational standards.
She criticised the Scottish National Party (SNP) for their handling of Scotland’s education system, citing falling international rankings and exam results controversies.
Pam Duncan-Glancy, said: “The SNP has let down generations of children and young people in Scotland and done untold damage to Scotland’s once world-class education system.
“Exam results are declining, the attainment gap is widening and trust in the SQA is collapsing – the need for change is clear, but all the SNP is offering is a rebranding exercise.
“For 14 years the Tories have provided cover for the SNP’s woeful record, but now that Labour has put an end to Tory austerity the SNP has nowhere to hide.”
Meanwhile, officials are considering reducing primary teacher training targets by up to 20% over the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years to address an oversupply issue.
This potential reduction highlights the challenges in balancing teacher supply and demand, with many new teachers struggling to secure permanent roles.
A Scottish Government spokesperson acknowledged the UK Budget as “a step in the right direction” but emphasised ongoing cost pressures.
They highlighted Scotland’s high teacher-to-pupil ratio, teacher pay, and commitment to free tuition.
The government must now navigate these complex issues, balancing budgetary constraints with the need to improve educational outcomes and address workforce planning challenges.
