The local council trying to recruit a teacher for more than six years
Scale of teacher crisis laid bare as school waits years for replacement
- Scottish Liberal Democrats data reveals over 1,350 teaching posts in Scotland were readvertised in the last two years, including a primary school teacher position on Papa Westray, Orkney, vacant since March 2019.
- Moray Council readvertised 252 teaching roles, Aberdeen 206, Shetland 90, Argyll and Bute 70, Highland Council 62, and Dumfries and Galloway 61.
- Western Isles Council advertised a PE teacher role nine times, while a home economics teacher post in Aberdeen was advertised six times.
- Lib Dem education spokesman Willie Rennie calls for action to make teaching more attractive, suggesting three-year packages for probationer teachers and teacher premiums for those in schools with the greatest need.
- Cosla acknowledges recruitment challenges in remote areas and specific subjects, while the Scottish Government highlights increased teacher numbers and ongoing efforts to support the profession, including £186.5 million in funding for councils to increase teacher numbers.