Additional funding to support colleges, universities and protect
teacher numbers will target investment where it has “the greatest
impact in maintaining our focus on tackling attainment and
skills”, Education Secretary has said.
The core commitment to addressing child poverty is supported by
new funding for breakfast clubs, as well as continued investment
in 1,140 hours a year of funded early learning and childcare
(ELC) to all three- and four-year-olds, and eligible children
from the age of 2.
The Scottish Government's 2026-27 draft budget provides £3.5
billion across the Education and Skills portfolio as part of the
a continued commitment to improve outcomes for pupils and
students.
The spending plans also support the ongoing process of reform in
the Education and Skills sector to strengthen resilience across
the system.
Key measures set out in the Budget this week include:
- An increase of £70 million in college funding, equivalent to
a 10% increase on last year's budget
- For universities, a total rise of more than £55 million, up
5% on last year
- Up to £200 million in the Scottish Attainment Challenge
Programme, including Pupil Equity Funding to schools, to further
improve outcomes of children and young people impacted by
poverty.
- Up to £20 million for the University of Dundee to support its
recovery plan
- Additional investment of £15 million in breakfast club
delivery in 2026-27 – to build to a national offer by August 2027
- Funding for ASN provision, protecting teacher numbers
and supporting children and families with ASN
- Allocating £1 million to support the development of local
pilots to test approaches to reducing class contact time
Ms Gilruth said
“This is a Budget that targets investment where it has the
greatest impact in maintaining our focus on attainment and
skills, while addressing our core mission to tackle child
poverty.
“At a critical time, this budget delivers a significant real
terms increase in our investment in colleges and universities so
that people of all ages have the opportunity to fulfil their
potential.
“Schools are delivering literacy and numeracy attainment at the
highest levels on record, with sustained progress in narrowing
the poverty-related attainment gap through the Scottish
Attainment Challenge. Attendance has improved, class sizes are
smaller, and there are more teachers in Scotland's classrooms.
“This budget builds on these gains by protecting teacher numbers,
supporting workforce stability and ensuring that staffing levels
continue to support high-quality teaching, learning and
relationships in schools.”
Background
Scottish Budget 2026 to
2027
Pupil and teacher
characteristics 2025 published - gov.scot
Achievement of Curriculum for
Excellence (CfE) Levels, 2024-25 - gov.scot
