SCHOOL buildings across Scotland are in their best condition since recorded figures began, the Scottish Government has said.
It comes following new statistics which revealed 90% of facilities were in good or satisfactory condition in April 2021.
The figure stood at 61% in April 2007, with the improvement also seeing the percentage of pupils taught in good or satisfactory schools increase from 61% to 92% over the same period.
This is accompanied by a 77% fall in the number of pupils educated in schools in poor or bad condition. 1,000 schools have also been ‘substantially’ refurbished during the last 14 years (2007-08 to 2020-21).
It comes as the Scottish Government commits to investing £1 billion to continue building and refurbishing schools, as part of its learning estate investment programme.
The Scottish Government’s education secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said, “Schools are at the heart of every community across Scotland, which is why it’s vital that pupils are educated in facilities that are fit for purpose. Our hardworking teachers and support staff deserve to work in modern, high quality buildings too.
“These latest statistics illustrate how that investment is making a real difference to thousands of children and young people. In terms of measuring how our schools are improving, these are the best statistics since records began.
“And we want to do more. Our £2 billion learning estate investment programme will see schools upgraded across Scotland, benefitting around 50,000 pupils. Councils will play a big part in modernising schools and it is important that we work closely with them to deliver for children and young people across the country.”
