Teacher shortage: Parents asked to help with maths lessons at Edinburgh school

A teacher shortage is forcing an Edinburgh high school to appeal for parents to help out with maths lessons.

Trinity Academy is also drafting in teachers from other subjects and with experience in maths to cover the classes.

The secondary school has been unable to fill two job vacancies, despite them being advertised twice.

A letter to mums and dads from the headteacher talks about a nationwide recruitment crisis.

It reads: "I write to assure you that plans have been put in place to mitigate against the national shortage and to ensure that all classes are supported by mathematics teachers.

"Where necessary, maths teachers may also share some classes, particularly in S1-S3, with colleagues from other faculties who have a mathematics background.

"Finally, if any parents can support us in any way, or knows someone who might be able to do so, please contact me directly."

Scottish Conservative shadow education secretary Liz Smith described the letter as 'remarkable'.

She said: "The reality is that pupils who should be receiving top level tuition in a key subject will now be dependent in teachers who are skilled in other areas, but not in maths.

"It's also deeply unfair on teachers of other subjects to drag them into this sorry state of affairs.

"It's one thing to have recruitment problems in remote parts of the country.

"For them to exist in Scotland’s capital city is a scandal.

Edinburgh Council's Education Convener, Cllr Ian Perry said: "In common with many Scottish local authorities vacancies in Maths are more difficult to fill.

"We want to reassure parents that we are working very closely with the school to support them over this temporary shortage and to minimise any disruption to the pupils’ learning.

"Our priority remains ensuring that the curriculum continues to be delivered to the highest possible standard."

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