Councillor Laurie Bidwell
Teacher Numbers Tumble in Dundee
8 December 2011
The SNP Government’s latest figures indicate that the number of teachers in Dundee is the lowest for 6 years, lower than when the SNP took over the Scottish Government in 2007.
The figures show that the number of primary school teachers in Dundee is now at its lowest level since 2005.
The numbers fell again in the last year to 639 at the census point.
In secondary schools, the number of teachers in Dundee is also at its lowest level since 2005.
The numbers decreased over the last year to 716 at the census point.
The tables showing Pupil/Teacher ratios also show a noticeable increase from 11.7 pupils to 1 teacher in 2009 to 12.1 pupils to 1 teacher in 2011.
Commenting on the figures, Labour's Education Spokesperson in the City, Councillor Laurie Bidwell said,
"In Dundee the Education Convener says she hasn't removed teachers from the classroom but the growth in the number of pupils to each teacher (the Pupil - Teacher ratio) paints a different picture."
"We can't go on reducing the number of teachers in our schools in Dundee without having a negative effect on the attainment and achievement of our pupils.
"Dundee deserves better.
" Having promised the earth four and a half years ago, the SNP Government still refuses to face up to the truth today that they have not reduced average class sizes.
"They, and their SNP controlled Council in Dundee, are responsible for the decline in teacher numbers and an adverse rise in the pupil/teacher ratios in our City.
"The SNP made unprecedented promises about improvements in education, none of which have ever been properly or fully funded."
Teacher Numbers Tumble in Dundee
8 December 2011
The SNP Government’s latest figures indicate that the number of teachers in Dundee is the lowest for 6 years, lower than when the SNP took over the Scottish Government in 2007.
The figures show that the number of primary school teachers in Dundee is now at its lowest level since 2005.
The numbers fell again in the last year to 639 at the census point.
In secondary schools, the number of teachers in Dundee is also at its lowest level since 2005.
The numbers decreased over the last year to 716 at the census point.
The tables showing Pupil/Teacher ratios also show a noticeable increase from 11.7 pupils to 1 teacher in 2009 to 12.1 pupils to 1 teacher in 2011.
Commenting on the figures, Labour's Education Spokesperson in the City, Councillor Laurie Bidwell said,
"In Dundee the Education Convener says she hasn't removed teachers from the classroom but the growth in the number of pupils to each teacher (the Pupil - Teacher ratio) paints a different picture."
"We can't go on reducing the number of teachers in our schools in Dundee without having a negative effect on the attainment and achievement of our pupils.
"Dundee deserves better.
" Having promised the earth four and a half years ago, the SNP Government still refuses to face up to the truth today that they have not reduced average class sizes.
"They, and their SNP controlled Council in Dundee, are responsible for the decline in teacher numbers and an adverse rise in the pupil/teacher ratios in our City.
"The SNP made unprecedented promises about improvements in education, none of which have ever been properly or fully funded."