MSP hails rise in teaching staff

Teacher numbers have risen across North Lanarkshire over the past year.

Figures released last week show that 3502 teachers are now employed throughout the region – an increase of 28 on 2016’s statistics.

The slight boost in numbers was welcomed by Alex Neil, with the Airdrie and Shotts MSP also highlighting improvement in the pupil teacher ratio across Scotland, with an additional 543 teachers now working in Scottish schools compared with last year.

Mr Neil said: “These figures prove that the Scottish Government’s approach is working for schools in Airdrie & Shotts, and throughout Scotland.

“Despite Labour and Tory opposition, the SNP is delivering funding aimed at increasing teacher numbers and cutting the attainment gap – and this is already bearing fruit.

“We now have 28 more teachers in North Lanarkshire than we did this time last year, and an additional 543 across Scotland.

“With this record of delivery, it is no surprise that pupils are performing strongly across reading, writing, listening, talking and numeracy.

“It is important that we do not get complacent and keep working to improve education in Scotland.”

Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, added: “Hundreds of additional teachers are now in Scottish classrooms, benefiting pupils the length and breadth of Scotland.”