ASH Scotland is urging high school teachers and youth workers in Edinburgh to use the health charity’s updated resource packs to inspire young people to make confident, informed decisions to protect their long-term health by not taking up smoking or vaping.
The Tobacco-free School and Youth packs, which each feature 30 engaging activities that can be used in lessons and group sessions, are being published by the health charity as the major public health issues of youth smoking and vaping are causing ongoing concern for teachers, parents and people working with children.
The packs provide facts and statistics covering a range of topics such as ‘Smoking and mental health’, ‘Smoking, vaping and peer pressure’, ‘Being confidently nicotine-free’ and features new exercises on nicotine pouches to support the delivery of personal and social education classes or for youth group activities across various subjects.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive for ASH Scotland, said: “As concerned teachers and youth workers across Scotland regularly contact us for information about tobacco and nicotine products such as vapes and pouches, we have produced updated resource packs with robust, evidence-based content to engage and empower young people in Edinburgh to make informed decisions about protecting their health and wellbeing.
“Our Tobacco-free School and Youth packs are especially designed to be effective learning aids to facilitate classwork and activities to help equip children to increase their knowledge about the health risks associated with smoking, vaping and using nicotine pouches.”
Pupils, families and school staff encouraged to share their views
A report discussed at Education, Children and Families Committee on Tuesday (20 January) provided an update on mobile phones in schools.
Following the decision made by Councillors in September 2025 to restrict the use of mobile phones in all primary schools, the report presented a range of next steps and options to support potential restrictions on mobile phones in secondary schools.
An interim Integrated Impact Assessment has taken place with consideration for pupils with medical or caring needs who may need access to a phone during the school day.
A citywide consultation is now live, and will run until 2 March, encouraging pupils, parents/carers and school staff to engage with the consultation and share their views:
The report discussed at Education, Children and Families Committee outlined an initial evaluation of the two-year pilot underway at two Edinburgh secondary schools, Portobello and Queensferry High Schools, using lockable pouches, restricting access to mobile phones during the school day.
Both schools report that, in the relatively short time pouches have been in use, feedback is largely positive.
Elected members were presented with a range of options for implementing restrictions, with the preferred option outlined being the use of lockable pouches to support restrictions on mobile phone use across all secondary schools, and lockable cabinets in primary schools.
This would create a position of equity for families and schools but would require additional funding, factored into the Council’s budget setting process.
Next steps in the coming weeks and months include:
Conclusion of the Integrated Impact Assessment later this month
Focus group sessions carried out as part of the consultation process in January and February
Citywide consultation running until 2 March
Findings analysed and report presented to Education, Children and Families Committee later in the year
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “In September 2025, it was agreed that restricting the use of mobile phones in our schools would be a positive step forward.
“We want these new measures to be brought in as soon as is practical, but it is the right thing to do to make sure that citywide consultation with families and communities, alongside an integrated impact assessment, takes place to explore and address any issues or concerns.
“Through many conversations, I understand that there is broad support for keeping smartphones out of the classroom, however there are individuals who have concerns which makes it even more important that as a Council we get this change right.
“Pilots, using lockable pouches, at Queensferry and Portobello High Schools have anecdotally been broadly successful, and as such the rollout of pouches in other settings needs to be explored. This includes options for financing mobile phone restrictions and the potential use of lockable pouches in secondary schools and lockable cabinets in primary schools.
“I am working closely with officers to move this forward as quickly as we can, while also making sure that we have done our due diligence to ensure that restricting mobile phones in our schools will have the intended positive impact.”
New funding will allow every primary pupil in Scotland to access a breakfast club, the First Minister has said.
The Scottish Budget will provide an additional £15 million in 2026-27 to expand breakfast club provision and help schools, councils and third sector partners prepare for the introduction of universal breakfast club services by August 2027.
The Scottish Government then plans to invest £44 million per year from 2027-28 to deliver the clubs for all primary school children in Scotland who want to access them. Every pupil attending a school specifically for children with additional support needs will also benefit.
Breakfast clubs not only give children a nutritious meal before school starts, they can also help improve school attendance and confidence in children, and the option of an early drop-off means parents have more flexibility so they can work or study.
First Minister John Swinney said: “My government is focused on delivering the priorities of the people of Scotland and through our budget, we are acting to provide help with the cost of living and doing all we can to eradicate child poverty.
“We know extending the school day before and after class can help children and their parents, particularly families who might be struggling with balancing the demands of getting to work early as well as the cost of the weekly food shop.
“Breakfast clubs are a perfect example of how we can give families the option of some extra support. Children can get a healthy start to their day as they eat breakfast and play with their friends, while parents are better able to get to work, or to take up training or study, knowing their children are being well looked after – there are clear benefits for the whole family.
“That is why we will invest £44 million each year to deliver a national breakfast club programme across all primary and special schools from August 2027, with the Scottish Budget investing £15 million in the coming year to support the expansion and help partners prepare.”
Scottish Government funding through the Bright Start Breakfasts programme currently supports 490 clubs and up to 20,000 children.
The 2026-27 Scottish Budget will provide £3 million to continue to support existing Bright Start Breakfasts clubs and a further £15 million to help prepare for expanded provision from August 2027.
A universal breakfast club offer will be available to all children attending primary or special schools in Scotland.
‘Tackle Maths’ a joint programme between Scottish Building Society and Edinburgh Rugby has now been delivered to over 1,000 children, helping to develop maths skills and get more pupils active.
Launched just over two years, the programme helps pupils aged between eight and 12 gain practical maths skills by using rugby and real-life examples to show how the subject factors into all elements of everyday life.
The milestone was reached as students from Broughton Primary School in Leith attended Hive Stadium to take part.
Seeing students apply maths outside of the classroom, from measuring the length of a rugby pitch, to working out the capacity of a stadium and estimating the height of the posts, the programme is designed to encourage pupils to think about maths lessons in a different way.
As well as gaining practical guidance, Tackle Maths sessions see students explore the world of rugby also, being treated to tours of Hive Stadium, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, the Scotland Team dressing room and the Scottish Rugby shop as part of the programme.
Paul Denton, chief executive, Scottish Building Society said: “When we started Tackle Maths our aim was to help at least 175 children get to grips with maths.
“Just over two years later it is incredible to have massively surpassed this, providing a thousand children across the country with a practical learning environment which shows why maths is important to their everyday lives.
“As a mutual organisation giving back to communities is incredibly important to us and this programme is a fantastic way of inspiring kids to think differently about learning.”
Douglas Struth, managing director, Edinburgh Rugby said: “Edinburgh Rugby is at its heart a community rugby club. That’s why working in partnership with Scottish Building Society to deliver this programme makes perfect sense.
“This programme is all about getting kids out of the classroom and learning in a practical manner. Having helped 1,000 children across the country to get excited about maths, we’re pleased to say it’s worked to great effect and look forward to supporting many more in the future.”
Melanie Bertram, a teacher from Broughton Primary said: “For many children, learning comes easier when they’re able to apply lessons in a real-life situation and a fun environment.
“Tackle Maths is perfect in this regard, giving them an experience which showcases how important maths is.
“A huge thank you to Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Building Society for working with us to launch a brilliant and educational initiative.”
Aldi’s first-ever Great Scottish Supper brings pipers, poetry and haggis to Scottish primary schools
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils in Edinburgh the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
The UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2024 is set to host its first-ever Great Scottish Supper, with one primary school class winning an unforgettable Robert Burns celebration.
As one of the country’s biggest supporters of Scottish food and drink, Aldi Scotland is encouraging the next generation to sample some of the nation’s most-loved dishes while taking part in celebrations that honour Scotland’s national poet.
Schools across the country are invited to take part, with one primary school class set to receive everything they need to host a memorable Burns Day feast, including the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties, as well as more contemporary dishes such as haggis bon bons and vegetarian haggis. A bagpiper will also perform the ceremonial piping-in of the haggis.
To participate, primary school classes of any age are invited to submit original Scots poems, giving pupils the opportunity to engage creatively with Scottish heritage and literature in true Burns style.
Poems should capture the spirit and traditions of Robert Burns by telling his story in a modern and imaginative way.
The initiative is open to any primary school class in Scotland. To enter, schools should send their original poems to to scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk by Friday 23rd January 2026. Schools can submit more than one poem per class.
Alan Leslie, Buying Director, at Aldi Scotland said: “As one of the most loyal supporters of Scottish food and drink, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure Scots of all ages can experience our most iconic culinary traditions.Burns Day is the perfect occasion for our youngest generation to enjoy some of the outstanding produce Scotland is famous for.
“Centuries after his lifetime, Robert Burns remains Scotland’s most celebrated poet, and what better way to honour his legacy than by encouraging young people to explore their own creativity?
“We’re really looking forward to reading the poems from primary classes across the country and are excited to bring our first-ever Great Scottish Supper to a deserving school.”
As Which?’s Cheapest Supermarket of 2024, Aldi continues to offer some of the best value deals on locally sourced Scottish food and drink.
For Burns Day, shoppers can pick up a selection of traditional and contemporary dishes, including:
Simon Howie Sweet Chilli Haggis Bon Bons, £2.45, 240g
Simon Howie Curried Haggis Bon Bons, £2.45, 240g
Punjab Pakora Square Sausage Bites with spicy chili dip, £1.89, 200g
Punjab Pakora Iron Brew infused chicken pakora, £1.99, 200g
Bells Burns Supper Pie, £2.49, pack of two
Aldi’s diverse range of locally produced products are available at all of Aldi’s 112 Scottish stores. Available while stocks last.
Entries for the Great Scottish Supper open on 6 January, and will be accepted until Friday 23 January. The winning class will be contacted by January 30.
The winner will receive a £100 Aldi voucher to cater for their celebrations, with the supermarket also arranging a bagpiper for the event.
The number of pupils reaching expected levels of literacy and numeracy in Scotland’s schools is at the highest level on record, latest statistics show.
In primary schools, expected levels in literacy have increased to the highest level ever (74.5%), while for numeracy the figure of 80.3% is the same as last year’s record high. In secondary, the proportions of S3s reaching the expected level in literacy (89.8%) and numeracy (90.9%) are also the highest on record, according to the Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Levels 2024-25.
The last year has also seen a narrowing of the poverty-related attainment gap to a record low at all levels.
Meanwhile, attendance rates increased in schools to 91% in 2024-25, up from 90.3% the previous year, while absences, both authorised and unauthorised, are down, according to separate figures published today.
Teacher numbers have also increased nationally in 2025, with the pupil-teacher ratio improving, while average primary class sizes also reduced, according to the latest Pupil and Teacher Characteristics 2025.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government has been determined to drive forward educational improvements in Scotland’s schools and these statistics show clear progress is being made across several measures.
“Attainment levels are at record highs in literacy and numeracy following Scottish Government investment of £1.75 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade – aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people impacted by poverty.
“We know that better engagement leads to better outcomes, so it’s hugely encouraging to see the improvement in attendance and a fall in absences, including a noticeable reduction in persistent absence levels, after the work being done to address this since the pandemic.
“The rise in teacher numbers reflects our investment in the workforce, which means that Scotland continues to have the lowest pupil-teacher ratio and the best paid teachers in the UK.
“We recognise there is more work needed to return these numbers to their 2023 levels and we will continue to work with councils towards this.
“This evidence further underlines the strong recovery we are seeing in schools following the pandemic, after this year’s national exam results showed the poverty-related attainment gap narrowing at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels.
“It is testament to the hard work of pupils, teachers and staff in schools and I am committed to working with them to deliver further improvements.”
The Educational Institute of Scotland has noted yesterday’s flurry of education statistic releases from the Scottish Government, and highlighted that the figures confirm the Scottish Government’s failure to meet its commitments on the employment of additional teachers as a means to tackle excessive teacher workload.
Commenting, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “Scottish Government education statistics releases are increasingly like buses – you wait a long time for one to turn up, then five arrive all at once.
If this is an attempt to bury any bad news in a quagmire of statistics, it does not appear to be a successful tactic.
The figures released today confirm that the Scottish Government has absolutely failed in the delivery of their 2021 manifesto commitment to recruit 3,500 additional teachers into Scotland’s schools during the term of this parliament – we now have almost a thousand fewer teachers than when the pledge was made, so we are more than 4,000 teachers down on the level that was promised in that 2021 manifesto commitment.”
Ms Bradley continued, “The Scottish Government’s associated pledge to reduce teachers’ class contact time, supported by the recruitment of the additional teachers, was a clear recognition of the need to tackle excessive teacher workload in our schools.
“The failure of government and local authorities to recruit additional teachers, and the failure to deliver any meaningful progress on the commitment to reduce teachers’ class contact time, has led to the current workload dispute.
“The EIS is currently running a statutory industrial action ballot over these failures, and encourages all our members to use their vote in this important ballot and to vote Yes to both strike action and action short of strike.
“We must send a very clear message to the Scottish Government, and also to local authorities, that class contact time must be reduced, as promised, as a means to reducing excessive teacher workload.”
Ms Bradley added, “Compounding this, the high level of employment precarity for newly qualified and recently qualified teachers is a national scandal, with large numbers of new teachers offered only unstable short-term contracts, if they are fortunate enough to be offered teaching work at all.
“Scotland needs more teachers in our schools, to deliver an enhanced learning experience for students, to help reduce excessive teacher workload by delivering the Scottish Government’s commitment to lower teachers’ class contact time, and to ensure that the increasingly diverse learning needs of all students can be met.
“There are now 43% of pupils in our schools with an identified Additional Support Need, and this huge increase has not been matched by an increase in resource to meet those needs. We desperately need more teachers in our schools.”
Ms Bradley concluded, “The newly and recently qualified teachers are available for permanent employment to help to address all of these issues , but they are not being offered secure teaching jobs, with the result that many will either look to other countries for employment or opt, reluctantly, to leave teaching entirely and pursue other career options.
“It shouldn’t be this way, and it doesn’t have to be this way – the Scottish Government and local authorities must ensure that many, many more newly and recently qualified teachers are employed in Scotland’s schools.”
A report highlighting achievements and progress in attainment among learners for academic session 2024-25 was discussed at Education, Children and Families Committee last week (27 November).
In a positive step forward, across several measures, the report showed that the gap between the least and most disadvantaged learners is narrowing. This includes at National 5 and Higher, or equivalent, level where the performance of the least advantaged learners in the city has improved in almost all measures.
The report shows an increase in attainment during the senior phase of secondary school, with the measure relating to leaver destinations the best on record. The percentage of learners gaining five Highers has improved each year since 2022.
Reflecting an increased offering of vocational courses across secondary schools, the number of vocational qualification passes, National Progression Awards (NPA), has almost doubled in recent years – from 941 NPA passes in 2023 to 1944 in 2025.
Figures highlight pupils’ appetite for this expanded curriculum offer with the number of learners taking part in the foundation apprenticeship pilot increasing from 16 young people in 2023-24 to 200 young people this academic year.
In primary schools, the attainment gap in literacy, which includes reading, writing, listening and talking, has decreased significantly. In numeracy combined data for P1, P4 and P7 shows that the numeracy attainment gap is at the lowest level for 5 years.
Despite the positive progress, there is more to be done to close the poverty related attainment gap and the report highlights measures to do this, including ongoing focused work providing guidance and support to priority schools, supported by partnership working with the Education Scotland Attainment Adviser and Equity Lead officer.
Commenting on the report, Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor said: “This report demonstrates positive leaps forward in attainment outcomes in our schools.
“I am particularly pleased to note the progress we’ve made in narrowing the gap between those children and young people who are most and least advantaged.
“Regardless of a child’s background, it is crucial that every child or young person in our schools is supported to reach their aspirations and ambitions.
” In our secondary schools we continue to offer an increasing number of vocational course options, which not only support young people to make informed choices about life beyond school but equip them with qualifications and a route into the world of work.
“It is disheartening to see that there are gaps in attainment for certain cohorts of our pupils and I am committed to working closely with officers to understand why this is the case and how we can work to close the poverty related attainment gap.”
Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows
Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.
With the 2025 brief to design a window that captures their vision of winter or the festive season, using any medium and style they wish, Edinburgh children’s 24 winning designs will be on display in West Princes Street Gardens along the top path from Thursday 27th November, each turned into a magical lightbox.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Winter Windows competition is in partnership with Arts & Creative Learning, Lifelong Learning, City of Edinburgh Council.
The judging panel consisted of Unique Assembly directors and City of Edinburgh Council representatives. Each of the 24 winners receives free tickets for a fun day out with their friends and family at Edinburgh’s Christmas – along with having their artwork on display throughout the festive season in one of the capital’s busiest locations!
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.
A majority of MSPs on Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee have given support to a Bill which gives school pupils a right to opt back into religious education and amends the UNCRC compatibility duty. However, they have also highlighted significant concerns about the Bill.
Those Members also noted the need for significant amendments to the Bill to resolve the serious concerns that were raised about it.
Other Members of the Committee were not content with supporting the general principles.
Rhoda Grant MSP felt that she was not able to make a recommendation, while Pam Gosal MSP and Tess White MSP said they could not support the general principles.
If the Bill is passed, schools would need to inform pupils if a parent or guardian requests that they be withdrawn from religious education or observance. If a pupil objected to being withdrawn, the school would have to follow the pupil’s wishes.
Following concerns raised in evidence, the Committee’s report recommends that the Scottish Government separate religious education and religious observance and considers unintended consequences such as the possibility of increased conflict between parents and children.
Additionally, the Bill sets out how public authorities should act when their duties under the UNCRC Act conflict with other legal obligations.
Witnesses raised concerns about why this part of the Bill was needed and what kind of precedent it sets for future human rights legislation.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee said:“The Committee heard strong views on this Bill during evidence, with very serious concerns being raised.
“However, given the clear support for the basic premise of the Bill of furthering children’s rights from several witnesses, a majority of our Committee recommend that Parliament support the general principles of the Bill.
“We are clear though that substantial amendments will need to be made to respond to the significant concerns we heard.”
