The number of pupils reaching expected levels of literacy and
numeracy in Scotland's schools is at the highest level on record,
officials statistics today show.
In primary schools, expected levels in literacy have increased to
the highest level ever (74.5%), while for numeracy the figure of
80.3% is the same as last year's record high. In secondary, the
proportions of S3s reaching the expected level in literacy
(89.8%) and numeracy (90.9%) are also the highest on record,
according to the Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence
(CfE) Levels 2024-25. The last year has also seen a narrowing of
the poverty-related attainment gap to a record low at all levels.
Meanwhile, attendance rates increased in schools to 91% in
2024-25, up from 90.3% the previous year, while absences, both
authorised and unauthorised, are down, according to separate
figures published today.
Teacher numbers have also increased nationally in 2025, with the
pupil-teacher ratio improving, while average primary class sizes
also reduced, according to the latest Pupil and Teacher
Characteristics 2025.
Education Secretary said:
“The Scottish Government has been determined to drive forward
educational improvements in Scotland's schools and these
statistics show clear progress is being made across several
measures.
“Attainment levels are at record highs in literacy and numeracy
following Scottish Government investment of £1.75 billion in the
Scottish Attainment Challenge over the past decade - aimed at
improving outcomes for children and young people impacted by
poverty.
“We know that better engagement leads to better outcomes, so it's
hugely encouraging to see the improvement in attendance and a
fall in absences, including a noticeable reduction in persistent
absence levels, after the work being done to address this since
the pandemic.
“The rise in teacher numbers reflects our investment in the
workforce, which means that Scotland continues to have the lowest
pupil-teacher ratio and the best paid teachers in the UK. We
recognise there is more work needed to return these numbers to
their 2023 levels and we will continue to work with councils
towards this.
“This evidence further underlines the strong recovery we are
seeing in schools following the pandemic, after this year's
national exam results showed the poverty-related attainment gap
narrowing at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels. It is
testament to the hard work of pupils, teachers and staff in
schools and I am committed to working with them to deliver
further improvements.”
Background
Achievement of Curriculum
for Excellence (CfE) Levels 2024-25
school attendance, absence
and exclusions statistics 2024-25 publication
https://www.gov.scot/publications/pupil-and-teacher-characteristics-2025
