Education - Spending Review

20th September 2011

Key investments in education will ensure Scotland's future workforce is equipped to achieve greater economic success, Education Secretary Michael Russell said today.

The Spending Review 2011 includes:

£50 million investment in an Early Years Change Fund over the next four years
A deal with councils to maintain teacher numbers in line with pupil numbers
Delivery of 100,000 training places over the next year.

A record number of 125,000 new start Modern Apprenticeships over the next 5 years
Guaranteeing a place in learning or training for every 16 to 19 year old.

Restating the commitment to no tuition fees and protecting university places for Scottish students.

Working towards a minimum income of at least £7,000 for the lowest income students
Ensuring Scotland's universities remain on a level financial footing with those in England.

Mr Russell said:"Education and lifelong learning is a key driver for jobs and economic growth. Today's spending review reflects our commitment to enable children and young people to improve their life chances, reach their full potential and make the best possible contribution to Scotland's economy.

"We want our children to have the best start in life so have continued to prioritise spend in the early years, starting with a £50 million Early Years Fund. Preventative spend makes sense: for every pound invested, an eventual saving of £9 is generated for the taxpayer.

"We are continuing to invest and drive forward Curriculum for Excellence which is transforming school education and will drive up attainment levels and qualifications. To do this we must continue to provide support for our thousands of talented teachers which is why we have agreed with COSLA to maintain teacher numbers in line with pupil numbers.

"Last week I announced our radical plans to improve post-16 education. The proposals to improve performance and collaboration will be supported by: our guarantee of a Modern Apprenticeship, college, university or training place for every 16-to-19 year old; record numbers of Modern Apprenticeships; 100,000 training places; our continued commitment to not reintroduce tuition fees; and our plans to work towards a minimum income of £7,000, starting with students on the lowest incomes.

"Despite the most dramatic reduction in public spending ever imposed on Scotland by the UK Government, we have protected all these priority areas and managed to fully fund our higher education sector. We have protected our globally renowned research and universities so they retain their competitiveness and reputation for being truly excellent in world terms."