PLAN TO IMPROVE ATTAINMENT AND WELLBEING IN SCHOOLS
Proposals to deliver reduced class contact time for Scotland’s teachers have been announced by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth.
The changes would provide teachers with more time to prepare for lessons, support wider school improvement activities, and undertake professional learning.
It would also provide teachers with more capacity to respond to diverse pupil needs, including those with ASN (additional support needs).
The proposals would see the phased implementation of reduced contact time, with a series of practical options explored including:
changes to teachers’ working week, such as a flexible 4-day teaching week model that could offer a dedicated day for professional activities
a move to nationally agreed minimum standards on pupil learning hours which could enable later start times, extended breaks, or restructured school days.
Alongside the latest fair and affordable pay settlement and the consideration of improved terms and conditions, such as enhanced maternity leave, the reduction in class contact time would form a new ‘National Deal’ for Scotland’s Teachers.
Ms Gilruth said: “There is much to celebrate in Scottish education. The recent exam results underlined the strong recovery we are seeing in schools, following the pandemic, with the poverty-related attainment gap narrowing at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels.
“Scotland also has the lowest pupil teacher ratio and the highest education spend per person of anywhere in the UK.
“These proposals demonstrate our clear commitment to supporting teachers and improving education in Scotland.
“It is a statement of intent to empower Scotland’s teachers with the time, trust, and tools they need to deliver transformative learning. By investing in teacher capacity, the aim is to create richer learning experiences and raise standards for every learner.
“Working together, we can shape a future where reduced class contact time is not just a logistical change, but a catalyst for deeper professional engagement, improved wellbeing, and better outcomes for every learner.”
The proposed changes to class contact time was set out by the Education Secretary during a speech to the AHDS conference in Glasgow yesterday. They will be considered by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers, comprising members from teaching organisations, local authorities, and the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government has already provided £186.5 million this financial year (2025-26) to support local authorities in returning teacher numbers to 2023 levels while working to make meaningful progress on reducing teacher class contact time.
Pupils impacted by poverty will receive further support to succeed in their studies through a continued £43 million investment this year.
The Scottish Government funding will be distributed to local councils for strategic approaches to closing the poverty-related attainment gap. This will provide support to schools through the recruitment of additional teachers, support staff and family link workers, as well as enhanced professional learning for teachers and school leaders.
The funding is part of the £1.75 billion Scottish Attainment Challenge which has been running for the past decade and forms a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of background.
The funding announcement coincides with a newly-published report highlighting how the Scottish Government’s work to close the poverty-related attainment gap is having a positive impact on children and young people’s education and overall wellbeing.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced the funding at the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) conference today.
Ms Gilruth said: “Closing the poverty-related attainment gap is a vital part in our commitment to eradicate child poverty at Scotland. When more children are given a chance to succeed through education, the more we accelerate our progress in reaching this goal.
“The report published today demonstrates how our ongoing investment continues to deliver for Scotland’s schools – it demonstrates that pupils are going to school feeling confident and enjoying their studies. That has been achieved by empowering headteachers to deliver bespoke solutions that meet children and young people’s needs.
“The latest exam data also shows us that this is translating into results, with the deprivation gap narrowing at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level over the past year. It is important that we continue to build on this progress, and the funding announced today will do exactly that.”
A national TV, radio and multi-media campaign that aims to improve school attendance by supporting parents, carers, and teachers to make school a positive experience for all children has been launched.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth joined pupils and teachers at Pathhead Primary in Kirkcaldy to launch the campaign, which deals with the root causes of absences, and identifies ways to approach conversations about wellbeing that can help pupils to improve their attendance.
The campaign highlights new resources available on Parent Club, the Scottish Government’s information hub offering advice and support for parents and carers.
The advice aims to support conversations between families, pupils and their teachers, to identify and help overcome the issues behind why a child may be reluctant to go to school. It complements existing guidance from Education Scotland to support schools and councils to improve attendance.
Ms Gilruth said: “We know that too many young people are missing school for reasons that can be tough on them and their families. While the most recent figures show a slight increase in attendance, rates remain lower than they were before the pandemic.
“The underlying issues that drive poor attendance can be complex and unique – young people may struggle due to anxiety, additional support needs, or reluctance to attend – and this can leave parents and guardians feeling frustrated and powerless.
“There is no quick fix for improving school attendance – it is a journey that parents, schools, and pupils must to take together, and which the new resources on Parent Club can help them navigate.”
Pathhead Primary School has seen improvements in attendance through a combination of universal and targeted interventions, underlined by strong parent-school partnerships.
The school has a dedicated Attendance Team – known as the A-Team – which involves leadership, administration and family workers. It works to build positive relationships with families and to support every child facing attendance challenges.
Pathhead Primary Headteacher Jillian Mellis said: “We have worked together with staff, families and children to improve attendance at Pathhead Primary School and have seen significant gains over the last few years.
“Understanding the challenges and barriers for our children and families has been crucial to improving attendance and relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Communication is supported universally, and we are rigorous in our processes when children do not attend.
“Keeping in touch, receiving practical and emotional support and ensuring a warm welcome from everyone is the approach we all use at Pathhead. Families and staff report the impact of this on wellbeing and achievement, not only for the children but for the whole family and wider community.”
Parent Club has tips and advice for parents and carers if their child is struggling to go to school.
Cargilfield School, in Edinburgh, has been named the ‘Best Prep School in the UK’ at the prestigious Tatler Schools’ Awards 2026. The award recognises outstanding commitment to providing a nurturing, vibrant, and academically rigorous environment for students.
It follows the results from the School’s Education Scotland inspection in 2023, where Cargilfield achieved top-tier ratings across all four categories – an accomplishment rarely seen in Scottish education.
Most notably, the school was awarded an ‘Excellent’ for Raising Attainment and Achievement, a distinction reserved for truly exceptional practice. Inspectors described the quality of education as “something you would send someone across the country to observe,” further highlighting Cargilfield’s reputation as Scotland’s leading prep school.
Cargilfield School, Edinburgh
Commenting on this win, Colin MacIntosh, who was appointed as the new Head in March 2025 said, “This award is a recognition of the excellence here at Cargilfield. Every child plays a really important part in the life of the school, and we are so deeply proud of the amazing school and the nurturing community we have created.
“I have been working in prep schools for over 20 years and have been bowled over with the quality of education that I have seen at Cargilfield. The staff and children are so engaged and enthusiastic and throw themselves into every aspect of school life with genuine excitement and passion.”
The Tatler Schools’ Awards are a celebration of excellence in the UK independent school and are based on the extensive research conducted for the Tatler Schools Guide, which aims to provide “insider reviews” of the top Prep and Public schools.
Emma Buchanan, Head of the Pre-Prep at Cargilfield School commented, “We believe in fostering a love for learning and supporting and encouraging our pupils to achieve their full potential.
“We provide them with the essential foundations on which to build as they move through their school years and into adult life. This award from Tatler is a clear endorsement of our philosophy and collective effort”
Colin MacIntosh continues: “We are a school where children are encouraged to excel in every area. We’re ambitious for our children and we encourage them to be ambitious for themselves.
“We are delighted that this award recognises what we have done and we’re committed to maintaining these high standards, making our school a benchmark for excellence across the UK.”
Guidance to help schools support transgender children and young people has been updated.
The refreshed guidance takes account of recent court decisions while also providing greater clarity for schools on provision of toilet facilities and support for pupils.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government has made clear it accepts the Supreme Court ruling and since April has been taking forward the detailed work that is necessary as a consequence of the ruling. That work is ongoing.
“The rights of all children and young people must be respected in our schools. We have brought forward updates to guidance to provide clarity and confidence to teachers and staff as they work to support the mental, physical and emotional health of transgender young people in our schools following recent significant legal and policy developments.”
Scottish Government investment sees record number of pupils now in good or satisfactory schools
More children and young people in Scotland than ever before are being educated in schools in good or satisfactory condition, following sustained investment from the Scottish Government in partnership with local authorities.
The latest statistics show the proportion of pupils learning in schools in good or satisfactory condition has increased to 92.5%, up from 92% since 2024.
Since 2019, 14 new schools have opened to pupils as part of the Scottish Government’s £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP). In 2024-25 alone, 17 school builds or substantial refurbishment projects were completed – 15 primary schools and two secondary schools.
Commenting, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “All pupils deserve to learn in modern schools that give them the best possible opportunity to maximise their learning.
“These statistics show our ongoing and significant investment in the school estate continues to deliver. The proportion of schools reported as being in “good” or “satisfactory” condition has increased to 92.0% (91.7% in 2024), compared to 62.7% in 2007, when this Government first came to office.
“Through the £2bn LEIP investment, a further three school projects are expected to be completed this year, and we will continue working with COSLA, councils and the Scottish Futures Trust to maximise future improvements in the school estate.”
Currie Community High School, which is one of Scotland’s first Passivhaus secondary schools, is receiving LEIP funding and opened last month.
Headteacher Jenny Hutchison said: ““We have had the most incredible month in our new school. Our new building offers significant benefits for students, staff and community users by providing a modern, flexible, and sustainable learning environment that moves beyond traditional classroom settings.
“The open plan learning plazas and break out spaces support a wider range of teaching and learning approaches and in using them is enhancing the wellbeing of everyone. Young people are helping us make decisions about how best to use these spaces which is fantastic.
“As one of Scotland’s first Passivhaus secondary schools, the design incorporates natural daylight, creating an inspiring and healthy atmosphere. We love the level of visibility in the building where learning can be observed from many angles.
“Our campus is also designed to be a vibrant community hub. The integration of community facilities really continue strengthen our connection with the local area, offering valuable resources to residents whilst also enriching the school environment.
“Our students in particular are enjoying the state-of-the-art sports facilities, outdoor teaching terrace and the debating chamber. This really is the school of dreams with endless possibilities!”
COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson Cllr Tony Buchanan said: “Local Government is investing £1bn through the Learning Estate Improvement Programme (LEIP) alone, this is in addition to the ongoing further investment throughout the estate.
“We are pleased to see that the school estate continues to improve and also contribute to the transition towards net zero. The environment in which children and young people learn is an important contributor to their attainment and school experience, and can be a vital community asset.”
Stephen Long, Senior Associate Director for Learning Estate at the Scottish Futures Trust said: “Scottish Futures Trust and Scottish Government are working in collaboration with Local Authorities through the LEIP initiative to improve learning environments on 47 projects across Scotland.
“Following the successful opening of 5 projects for the new term in August, there are now 14 LEIP schools in operation with a further 16 in construction and 17 in design.
“These new and refurbished facilities will provide inclusive, healthy, comfortable indoor and outdoor places for learners, teachers and communities, while also minimising energy consumption and emissions.”
For the first time pupils across Scotland, from age 3 to 18, will have the opportunity to study Film and Screen as a practical arts subject
Screen Scotland, with Education Scotland and Scottish Government has officially launched the national rollout of Film and Screen into Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence.
Over the last three years, Screen Scotland has devised, designed and delivered a programme to test and evaluate the Film and Screen Curriculum, a curriculum for every level of formal Scottish Education for learners age 3 to 18.
Schools in 30 local authority areas across Scotland, including Shetland, Scottish Borders, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway and Angus have been involved in this globally unique programme delivered to over 6000 children across early years, primary and secondary education.
Fi Milligan-Rennie, Head of Education – Screen at Screen Scotlandsaid: “Screen Scotland’s film and screen curriculum creates democracy of opportunity for every child and young person to learn about the film and screen industries in Scotland, to understand how it works and most importantly to recognise that they can be part of it.
“Filmmaking, making television programmes or content online requires the ability to tell stories well, to persuade colleagues to work with you, to gather resources and plan ahead. It builds confidence and we have seen across the development period the tremendous positive impacts it has already had for pupils across Scotland.
“It is thanks to the enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to creatively experiment from schools across the country that we can now celebrate Film and Screen as a subject in its own right.”
The curriculum is endorsed by some of Scotland’s key acting, filmmaking and presenting talent, including James MacAvoy, Lucy Halliday, Mark Bonnar, Julie Wilson Nimmo, Edith Bowman, Chloe Pirrie, Martin Compston, Dougray Scott, Sanjeev Kohli, Mark Cousins and Lauren Lyle.
Neil Millar from Education Scotlandsaid: “Over the last three years I have been proud to work with, and support, the inspiring work that has been undertaken in creating and facilitating the draft Film and Screen Curriculum across Scotland.
“From the outset, the educational and social impact of the pilot Film and Screen curriculum on schools, teachers and most importantly pupils, has been immense. The proof of this is in the curriculum work developed and showcased by the children and young people themselves.”
Laura Heggie, Teacher at Graeme High Schoolsaid: “I’ve been so impressed…by how much the curriculum gives pupils ownership over their own learning. They’re so engaged and want to get it right that they are working and challenging each other within their film crews.
“I can hear them critiquing each other’s work and offering suggestions to improve as I walk round the room. This is unprompted by me. The development in their confidence and ability to contribute has really grown…as they have moved to working within the production groups.”
Kian McLear, S5 pupil at Drummond Community High School said: “Film and Screen has allowed me to express creativity with my fellow classmates, as well as giving me an in interest in the film industry as a whole.
“There’s a very good balance between practical work and analysis, and there’s never any lessons or practical tasks that drag on.”
James MacAvoy, Actor and Director said: “Teaching film and screen in schools is the most equitable way to engage in an art form, while demystifying something that can seem distant or inaccessible.
“It’s not just about the next generations of Scottish filmmakers, it’s about understanding the creative right to be seen and heard and making the space and time for that to happen, for every child in Scotland.”
Julie Wilson-Nimmo, Actor said: “I’m so happy that the Film and Screen curriculum is going on the school curriculum, when I was a young girl growing up in East Kilbride and I went to see my favourite film of all time Gregory’s Girl, I never thought I could be a part of that world, as an actor or behind the camera.
“The fact nursery, primary and secondary kids will be able to tap into this on their school curriculum is amazing. I’m 100% behind it.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The arts are vital to the success of Scotland’s young people, inspiring them to develop a wide range of skills – film and screen learning is very much part of this story.
“The initial Film and Screen pilots demonstrated the innovation that lies at the heart of Scotland’s curriculum. This further roll out of support and advice to teachers across Scotland will help to support the continued growth of film and screen learning in our classrooms.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “I’m delighted to welcome this world-first curriculum, which brings the magic of film and screen to the classroom for learners of all ages. In addition to encouraging untapped creativity, it will be instrumental in the career development of the next generation of Scottish film and screen talent.
“The Scottish Government is clear that a skilled, diverse workforce is essential to the continued success of our screen sector, which is set to be worth £1 billion to Scotland’s economy by 2030.
“Working with Screen Scotland, we are investing in Scottish skills and talent to ensure Scottish voices are represented throughout the production journey, and that this growth leaves a legacy of an ever-stronger crew base across Scotland.”
Young achievers and business leaders from Edinburgh and the Lothians were among those celebrated at the BYITC Inspire Awards 2025, held in the Scottish Parliament to recognise talent and leadership across the UK.
Organised by the British Youth International College (BYITC), the annual awards celebrate excellence across academics, sport, art, culture, social impact, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The event gathered families, educators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and parliamentarians to applaud the next generation.
Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP served as Chief Guest of Honour and event sponsor, alongside Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of Scottish Labour and Foysol Choudhury MSP, who all attended to support the award winners.
Business Excellence Tanwi Bhattacharya, Founder of Nikkan Dance Academy, Edinburgh – Artistic Visionary
Foysol Choudhury MSPpraised the honourees: “It was a real honour to be at the Inspire Awards and celebrate so many talented young people and local business leaders from Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“Their achievements are inspiring, and they remind us why it’s so important to back the next generation, to make sure creativity, education, and entrepreneurship can thrive in our communities.”
The evening featured performances from young artists and brought together families, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, highlighting how the next generation is already contributing to Scotland’s future.
University tutors to provide help for those who need it most
Tutoring staff from two Scottish universities will be working in classrooms across the country to help engage children and young people in their studies and improve attainment.
Aimed at those impacted most by poverty, the innovative approach will see almost 500 pupils receive extra tutoring support from Queen Margaret University and the University of Glasgow this academic year.
The programme was initially launched as an intervention to provide support for young people who were most affected by the Covid-19 school closures.
This next step, supported by £90,000 from the Scottish Government, will now see the initiative extended to a wider group of young people. This will include specialist one-to-one tuition for pupils, delivered online and in person, with the aim of helping them secure a place in university, training or further study.
The announcement comes as a new survey of almost 1,000 school staff found three-quarters felt the poverty-related attainment gap has narrowed because of the Scottish Government’s flagship Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC). The programme has now been running for a decade with up to £1.75 billion being invested.
Higher Education Minister @GraemeDeyMSP met Newbattle High School pupils to learn about the help they get through @QMUniversity’s tutoring pilot.
The programme, and a similar one from @UofGlasgow, will receive over £90k in @ScotGov funding this year.
Speaking on a visit to Newbattle High School in Midlothian, which is taking part in the tutoring scheme, Higher and Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “Children and young people’s background and upbring must never be a barrier to success in education.
“The Scottish Government is determined to create an even playing field for all, both in schools and in securing places in higher education.
“The work that is being taken forward by the Queen Margaret and Glasgow universities is ensuring that more pupils impacted by poverty are engaged and supported with their studies. This will help them to maximise their potential and go on to a positive future.
“This is an excellent example of innovation in Scottish education, which compliments the work of our Scottish Attainment Challenge. Through this and other measures, we are doing all we can to eradicate child poverty; our schools are playing a key role in achieving that ambition – from delivering free school meals and clothing banks to after-school study clubs and this tutoring programme.”
Principal of Queen Margaret University, Sir Paul Grice, said: “We are delighted to see this powerful package of support being put in place, based on our pioneering, and award winning, tutoring project, which was developed by QMU and East Lothian Council during the pandemic with funding from the STV Children’s Appeal and local supporters.
“Over the last five years, this tried and tested model has helped thousands of senior school pupils in East and Midlothian keep up or re-engage with learning, so they are supported to reach their potential in life.
“By recognising the impact of this important project and supporting its expansion, the Scottish Government is ensuring young people get the extra help they require to succeed during a crucial stage in their learning journey, which will ultimately shape their future life outcomes.”
Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor, External Engagement, at the University of Glasgow, said: “Education has the power to transform lives, and it is vital that every young person has the chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances.
“By working with schools across Scotland, the University of Glasgow is helping to break down barriers to learning and give pupils the extra support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. We are delighted to see this programme grow and to play our part in tackling the attainment gap.”
The four-strong cast have completed a knockout Edinburgh Festival theatre run
A group of Edinburgh Napier University acting students have claimed an industry award for an Edinburgh Festival Fringe show that packed a punch.
Starring Daniel John Doherty, Liam Scobie, Arran Hogg and Ruairi Francis McCormack – and directed by Lecturer David Wotton from ENU’s School of Arts & Creative Industries – Cornermen tells the story of a young boxer and the exploitation of his success.
Following a successful run at theSpace on the Mile throughout this month, the cast have been presented with the coveted ‘Bright Spark’ award by The Scottish Theatre Awards on the Fringe.
Awarded every year by the Scottish Arts Club, the prize recognises Scottish actors or theatre-makers just embarking on their career, with the winner selected by a panel of expert judges.
Put on by in-house company Authentically False Productions, Cornermen stood out from the crowd of theatre acts on show across the city during August, drawing praise for its assured performance.
Responding to their award win, Daniel, Liam, Arran and Ruairi said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to have won the ‘Bright Spark’ award at our first foray into the professional theatre world after our training at Edinburgh Napier University.
“The hard work and dedication we put into Cornermen has paid off and we couldn’t be prouder to represent Edinburgh Napier and the Scottish theatre scene in this way.
“Hopefully, this award will be a great kick start to our career. We’ll always remember this moment, this award and this training.”
Cornermen director David Wotton said: “It’s awards like this that highlight our department and the hard work we do to make sure our training actors thrive in such a competitive market.
“This award marks a year of dedication by the cast of Cornermen, Daniel John Doherty, Liam Scobie, Arran Hogg and Ruairi Francis McCormack, and our department.
“Year upon year our course has exceptional National Student Survey results, and industry recognition like this shows that Edinburgh Napier University is a great place for an actor to train.
“Directing these four talented actors has been so very rewarding. It’s great that the industry sees and appreciates the work and dedication shown by both our talented actors and staff alike.”
Cornermen was one of many theatre productions put on by ENU students during the Edinburgh Festivals, which draw to a close this week.
It also follows previous shows such as Everything Under the Sun in being recognised by the industry.
