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Primary 1-3 class sizes in Scotland rise for fourth year in a row Primary 1-3 class sizes in Scotland rise for fourth year in a row
(34 minutes later)
The number of Scottish pupils in the early years of primary school have increased for the fourth year in a row, new statistics show.The number of Scottish pupils in the early years of primary school have increased for the fourth year in a row, new statistics show.
The average class in Primary 1, 2 and 3 has 23.3 pupils - a rise from 23.2 pupils last year.The average class in Primary 1, 2 and 3 has 23.3 pupils - a rise from 23.2 pupils last year.
Scotland's new Education Secretary Angela Constance said the news was "disappointing".Scotland's new Education Secretary Angela Constance said the news was "disappointing".
The Scottish Conservative party accused the SNP administration of taking its "eye off the ball".
In 2007 the SNP made a manifesto commitment to cut class sizes between Primary 1 and 3 to 18 or less.In 2007 the SNP made a manifesto commitment to cut class sizes between Primary 1 and 3 to 18 or less.
However, fewer than one in eight pupils in these years are being taught in a class that small.However, fewer than one in eight pupils in these years are being taught in a class that small.
This year 22,137 primary 1, 2 and 3 pupils are in a class with 18 or fewer children in it compared with 22,992 last year.This year 22,137 primary 1, 2 and 3 pupils are in a class with 18 or fewer children in it compared with 22,992 last year.
However, there has been a substantial rise in the number of early primary pupils in a class with more than 26 pupils.However, there has been a substantial rise in the number of early primary pupils in a class with more than 26 pupils.
Over the three primary years numbers went from 42,908 last year to 45,539 this year.Over the three primary years numbers went from 42,908 last year to 45,539 this year.
Legislation was introduced in November 2010 to limit class sizes for Primary 1 pupils to a maximum of 25 unless there were exceptional circumstances.Legislation was introduced in November 2010 to limit class sizes for Primary 1 pupils to a maximum of 25 unless there were exceptional circumstances.
Across Scotland, 451 P1 children are in a class with 26 pupils or more, which is a new low.Across Scotland, 451 P1 children are in a class with 26 pupils or more, which is a new low.
The latest government statistics also showed that the number of teachers in Scotland's schools fell in 2014 while the number of pupils increased.The latest government statistics also showed that the number of teachers in Scotland's schools fell in 2014 while the number of pupils increased.
Full-time equivalent teacher (FTE) numbers stand at 50,824 which is 254 fewer than 2013.Full-time equivalent teacher (FTE) numbers stand at 50,824 which is 254 fewer than 2013.
The number of pupils in Scotland's schools is up 3,425 on the previous year to 676,955.The number of pupils in Scotland's schools is up 3,425 on the previous year to 676,955.
The education secretary said: "It is only a few years since more than 16,000 P1s were taught in unacceptably large classes of more than 25.The education secretary said: "It is only a few years since more than 16,000 P1s were taught in unacceptably large classes of more than 25.
"These figures show we have virtually eliminated such classes."These figures show we have virtually eliminated such classes.
"And, in the early years, we can see more three and four year olds in nursery have access to a registered teacher - giving them a better start to their education journey.""And, in the early years, we can see more three and four year olds in nursery have access to a registered teacher - giving them a better start to their education journey."
'Failed miserably'
Ms Constance added: "We welcome the rise in the number of primary teachers but it is clear that this rise has been outstripped by the increase in primary pupils. That has led to a small but disappointing overall increase in the pupil-teacher ratio.Ms Constance added: "We welcome the rise in the number of primary teachers but it is clear that this rise has been outstripped by the increase in primary pupils. That has led to a small but disappointing overall increase in the pupil-teacher ratio.
"We are already in discussions with councils, through Cosla, on the way ahead and these figures will now form part of those talks.""We are already in discussions with councils, through Cosla, on the way ahead and these figures will now form part of those talks."
The Conservative Party's education spokeswoman, Mary Scanlon, said the Scottish government was failing on a number of target areas such as class-sizes and pupil-to-teacher ratio.
She added: "The SNP made clear in its 2007 manifesto that it would address this issue - and inevitably it has failed miserably.
"This is a huge concern, and one that has to be treated as an absolute priority."
Local government body Cosla spokesman, Councillor Douglas Chapman, said the statistics were positive.Local government body Cosla spokesman, Councillor Douglas Chapman, said the statistics were positive.
However, he added that there was more to delivering a high quality education system "than simply the numbers of teachers that are employed".However, he added that there was more to delivering a high quality education system "than simply the numbers of teachers that are employed".
Councillor Chapman said: "Over the next four months, we have embarked on a process with Scottish government, trade unions, parent bodies and other interested parties to consider a broader range of indicators for educational improvement."Councillor Chapman said: "Over the next four months, we have embarked on a process with Scottish government, trade unions, parent bodies and other interested parties to consider a broader range of indicators for educational improvement."