The number of newly-qualified teachers in Scotland going straight into employment has risen by nearly 30% under the SNP Government, according to the latest figures, released by the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe).
These show that the cohort of new qualified teachers in posts 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 has risen to 61.5% of the workforce as of 2019. In 2009, the majority of teachers were over 45.
Earlier this year, Scotland’s Education Secretary John Swinney MSP pledged £50 million for the recruitment of approximately 850 extra teachers and around 200 additional Support Needs Staff to assist the re-opening of schools.
Kenneth Gibson MSP, who serves on the Education and Skills Committee, 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.
“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 Government’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. Nevertheless, the SNP is determined to continue working hard to ensure that each and every child is given the best possible start in life.”
Number of Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS) probationers who were in teaching posts in a publicly funded school in Scotland the year following their probation.
Source: https://www.gov.scot/publications/summary-statistics-schools-scotland-no-10-2019-edition/pages/1/
Number of teachers under 45 in Scotland and their % of the total Scottish teaching profession.
ENDS
