119 Fewer Teacher Posts this year in Renfrewshire Primary & Secondary Schools

One of the most worrying developments due to the Education Budgets cuts is the cut in teacher numbers in Renfrewshire. Overall 119 fewer teachers are working in Renfrewshire schools compared to last year.

The figures obtained from Renfrewshire council reveal that Renfrewshire has cut 77 secondary teachers this year and 42 primary teachers. The fall in the number of secondary teachers in Renfrewshire is the sharpest fall in percentage terms, 8%, in the whole of Scotland

Wendy Alexander said

“This should concern us all. These cuts are hitting the frontline. Well over 100 teaching posts cannot be cut without damaging the quality of education our youngsters receive. It is a deep irony that a Scottish Government and Council who promised smaller class sizes are instead cutting teachers right across Renfrewshire.

The cuts are particularly deep in secondary schools.  Gleniffer is down 17 teaching posts this year alone.  Park Mains and Trinity by 11 teaching posts.  The council will not let teachers speak out against these cuts. If they speak up they are liable to be disciplined for breach of contract. So it is up to all the rest of us that care about Renfrewshire education to make the case for keeping teachers teaching.
As Renfrewshire council’s budget discussions get under way for next year, it is vital we build the campaign against even deeper cuts next year.”

ENDS:
SOURCE:

1. Renfrewshire Council Letter detailing school by school cuts (View this Press Release under Wendys Correspdance in Anti Education Cuts for additional tables detailing school by school cuts).