SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed news that teachers across Edinburgh have accepted a two-year pay offer which ensures that Scotland’s classroom teachers will remain the best paid in the UK.
The Teachers’ Panel of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers has this week accepted the offer tabled by local authorities’ umbrella body Cosla. The terms include a 4% pay increase in 2025/26 followed by an additional 0.25% in April and 3.25% next August.
The SNP in government continues to prioritise investment in our children and young people’s education, investing £4.3 billion into Scotland’s education system in 2025-26.
Thanks to this investment, Scotland has a higher spending per pupil than any other devolved UK nation and has the lowest pupil to teacher ratios.
Local SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “I am pleased that teachers across the city have accepted this pay offer, which will ensure that Scottish teachers on the main-grade scale will continue to be the best paid in the UK.
“By investing in children and young people’s education, the SNP is helping to break the poverty-related cycle.
“Under this SNP government, the poverty-related gap for young people leaving school and going on to a positive destination has reduced by 60 per cent since 2009 – narrowing at all three key qualification levels.
“I am delighted that our incredible teachers will continue to be well-paid for the fantastic job they do in improving the lives of young people both in Edinburgh Pentlands and the wider city.”
COSLA is pleased to note that the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) panel have accepted a two-year pay award.
COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann welcomed the news, commenting: “The award secures pay uplifts for Scottish Teachers and associated professionals for the period 1st August 2025 to 31st July 2027.”
The latest pay agreement means Scotland’s Teachers will receive:
- A 4% increase from 1/8/25 rising to 4.25% on 1/4/26
- A 3.25% increase on 1/8/26
Councillor Hagmann continued: “Councils will now work to implement the first uplift over the next weeks as payroll schedules allow.”
