£3m supply teacher spend ‘unsustainable’

More than £3 million has been spent on supply teacher cover in Stirling’s schools since 2020 according to “astonishing” new figures.

- STUART MCFARLANE

The data has been released following a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Scottish Conservatives as part of a probe into the level of spending on cover teachers at both primary and secondary level across Scotland.

The bombshell figures reveal a total expenditure of £1,417,347 on primary-level staff in the 2020-2025 period, while almost £2 million was splashed out on cover at the secondary level in Stirling.

For the 2024/25 term alone, just over £800,000 was spent on supply cover at both levels.

Concerns Alexander Stewart

The findings have led to criticism from Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart, who pointed the finger at Scottish Government ministers over the problem and described the spending as ‘increasingly unsustainable’.

Mr Stewart added: “These astonishing figures here in Stirling expose yet another example of the SNP’s complete incompetence in managing Scotland's education.