Praise for condition of Angus schools

A record number of schools across Scotland are in good condition, according to the latest school estate statistics.

In Angus, there are 51 primary schools in either good or satisfactory condition and eight secondary schools with the same rating.

The SNP Scottish Government has reiterated that it has a long-term commitment to investing in school infrastructure, with its £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme.

The number of schools in Scotland rated as good or satisfactory has increased by nearly a third – from 61.1% in 2007 to 90.4% in 2022.

Other figures show the number of children now receiving free school meals has reached a record high of 215,053, after the Scottish Government extended the offer to help more families in need.

The statistics have been welcomed by Angus South MSP Graeme Dey.

Mr Dey said: “That children of all ages across Angus are learning in schools which meet or exceed the expected condition is encouraging.

“The SNP in government has consistently invested in Scotland’s schools estate, and this can be seen clearly in these figures.

“This is a Scottish Government determined to ensure all children are educated in the best possible environment with the best facilities, and which is also ensuring more and more school children are supported in their learning through the provision of free school meals.

“Such support is vital in the midst of the cost emergency we are currently living through – a crisis in large part down to UK Government failures and neglect – and it will continue to help households here in Angus and across Scotland under the SNP.”

The School Estate Statistics show that nationally, 54 schools have been built or substantially refurbished in 2021-22 and 1053 schools have been built or substantially refurbished since 2007-08. In addition, 90.4% of schools were found to be in good or satisfactory condition in April 2022 and 91.7% of pupils in schools in good or satisfactory condition.