SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed figures showing increasing levels of literacy and numeracy in the Western Isles’ primary schools - alongside a record low gap between the attainment of children from the most and least well off families across Scotland.
The 2023-2024 Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (ACEL) data shows the proportion of primary pupils in the Western achieving expected literacy levels has grown from 64% in 2016-17, to 79% in 2023-24.
Expected numeracy levels in Western Isles primary schools grew from 65% to 79% in the same period.
These local figures reflect the Scotland-wide picture - the proportion of primary pupils in Scotland achieving expected levels for literacy has risen to 74% and numeracy to 80.3% this year - the highest levels on record.
The ACEL figures also show that the attainment gap for literacy between the most and least advantaged pupils has narrowed to its lowest ever level across Scotland - reflecting the SNP Government’s ongoing efforts to level the playing field in education.
Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:
“These record-breaking figures are proof of the hard work and dedication of our islands’ teaching and support staff, as well as the efforts of pupils and their families, and is particularly impressive given the recent challenges of the pandemic.
“We’ve seen literacy and numeracy levels grow here in the Western Isles, while they reach their highest ever across Scotland, and the attainment gap is at its lowest.
“Scotland continues to invest more per head in education than any other part of the UK, and we have more teachers per pupil. This focus on education is paying off, with these figures demonstrating the real, measurable impact of Scottish Government policies.”