School numbers drop significantly
In the last three years, there has been a decrease of more than 700 pupils
There's concern about the falling number of school-aged children in Dumfries and Galloway.
A recent report shows the school roll has dropped by more than 700 pupils in the last 3 years.
Primary schools have seen the biggest decrease.
In September 2021, the overall pupil roll stood at 10,092 whereas this year, the number dropped to 9,500.
For secondary schools, there were 8,595 pupils in September 2021 and this number sunk to 8,468 this year.
This means more smaller schools could have to close and merge together, and teacher numbers could be cut.
Dumfries EIS secretary Andrew O’Halloran says they’re already short-staffed:
“Some of the larger urban schools have staffing and cover issues. There are also certain difficulties relating to additional support needs.
“Academic research commissioned by the EIS shows that across Scotland, there is only one additional support needs teacher to every eight to nine pupils and 37% of pupils now have an additional support need.
“The falling school rolls in this local authority is bound up with larger economic factors. Should Dumfries and Galloway Council continue with its pernicious cuts on education, they will stymie teacher's efforts to improve attainment and turn our area into an educational desert.
“Education can play its part in attracting young families to the region and retain those who already live here but that does require investment.”
Councillors will review a capacity report next week at the education committee meeting.