There has been a 97.1% increase in rebuilding and refurbishment of schools since the SNP came to power, compared with the previous two administrations.
According to the independent Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe), the SNP Government has rebuilt and refurbished 607 schools between 2008 and 2015, as opposed to the 308 that were upgraded between 1999 and 2007. In North Ayrshire, the new £43 million Garnock Academy Campus will open at the turn of the year, with a new £62 million Largs Academy Campus to follow a year later. Commenting, Kenneth Gibson said:
“As young people across Scotland head back to school this week, some reflecting on their recent exam results, it is encouraging to know that many thousands of them will be doing so in new or refurbished schools.
“These figures highlight the importance the SNP has placed on providing both pupils and teachers with the very best learning environment. A modern, accessible and welcoming school building can make a real difference to pupil attainment and the performance of staff.
“The sustainability and efficiency of our schools is also vitally important.
“As the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made clear, education will be the absolute priority of the SNP government and I’m delighted to see more work being done to improve our schools."
The SNP 2016 Manifesto stated:
“No child should have to learn in a school that is in poor or bad condition. Modern, accessible buildings help create the right environment for children to learn and teachers to work in. In the next Parliament, we will bring forward new proposals to build upon the success of Our School for the Future programme. We will also work to ensure that our schools are sustainably built, refurbished and maintained and are world-leading in energy efficiency.”
ENDS
