Scottish Government investment sees record number of pupils now
in good or satisfactory schools
More children and young people in Scotland than ever before are
being educated in schools in good or satisfactory condition,
following sustained investment from the Scottish Government in
partnership with local authorities.
The latest statistics show the proportion of pupils learning in
schools in good or satisfactory condition has increased to 92.5%,
up from 92% since 2024.
Since 2019, 14 new schools have opened to pupils as part of the
Scottish Government's £2 billion Learning Estate Investment
Programme (LEIP). In 2024-25 alone, 17 school builds or
substantial refurbishment projects were completed – 15 primary
schools and two secondary schools.
Commenting, Education Secretary said:
“All pupils deserve to learn in modern schools that give them the
best possible opportunity to maximise their learning. These
statistics show our ongoing and significant investment in the
school estate continues to deliver. The proportion of schools
reported as being in "good" or "satisfactory" condition has
increased to 92.0% (91.7% in 2024), compared to increase since
62.7% in 2007, when this Government first came to office.
“Through the £2bn LEIP investment, a further three school
projects are expected to be completed this year, and we will
continue working with COSLA, councils and the Scottish Futures
Trust to maximise future improvements in the school estate.”
Currie Community High School, which is one of Scotland's first
Passivhaus secondary schools, is receiving LEIP funding and
opened last month.
Headteacher Jenny Hutchison said:
“We have had the most incredible month in our new
school. Our new building offers significant benefits for
students, staff and community users by providing a modern,
flexible, and sustainable learning environment that moves beyond
traditional classroom settings. The open plan learning
plazas and break out spaces support a wider range of teaching and
learning approaches and in using them is enhancing the wellbeing
of everyone. Young people are helping us make decisions
about how best to use these spaces which is fantastic.
“As one of Scotland's first Passivhaus secondary schools, the
design incorporates natural daylight, creating an inspiring and
healthy atmosphere. We love the level of visibility in the
building where learning can be observed from many angles.
“Our campus is also designed to be a vibrant community
hub. The integration of community facilities really continue
strengthen our connection with the local area, offering valuable
resources to residents whilst also enriching the school
environment. Our students in particular are enjoying the
state-of-the-art sports facilities, outdoor teaching terrace and
the debating chamber. This really is the school of dreams
with endless possibilities!”
COSLA's Children and Young People Spokesperson Cllr Tony Buchanan
said:
“Local Government is investing £1bn through the Learning Estate
Improvement Programme (LEIP) alone, this is in addition to
the ongoing further investment throughout the estate.
We are pleased to see that the school estate continues to improve
and also contribute to the transition towards net zero. The
environment in which children and young people learn is an
important contributor to their attainment and school experience,
and can be a vital community asset."
Stephen Long, Senior Associate Director for Learning Estate at
the Scottish Futures Trust said:
“Scottish Futures Trust and Scottish Government are working in
collaboration with Local Authorities through the LEIP initiative
to improve learning environments on 47 projects across Scotland.
Following the successful opening of 5 projects for the new term
in August, there are now 14 LEIP schools in operation with a
further 16 in construction and 17 in design.
“These new and refurbished facilities will provide inclusive,
healthy, comfortable indoor and outdoor places for learners,
teachers and communities, while also minimising energy
consumption and emissions.”
Background
School Estates statistics School estate statistics
2025 - gov.scot help to inform ongoing discussions with COSLA
to build on the progress being made by LEIP and explore how to
deliver further improvements in the school estate.
117 school projects were completed through the £1.8 billion
Schools for the Future Programme which preceded LEIP.
Passivhaus is a building standard focused on ultra-low
energy use. It creates comfortable, healthy indoor environments
while drastically reducing energy consumption and carbon
emissions.
