Spending on schools across Scotland has increased by more than £1
billion in real terms over the past decade, official statistics
show.
Data published this week shows that local authority funding
across Primary, Secondary and Special schools rose to £7 billion
in 2024-25, up 19.7% from £5.8 billion in 2014-15.
Average spending per pupil across Primary and Secondary schools
also rose by more than £1,000 in real terms over the same period,
reaching £8,683.
Local government education expenditure in Scotland in 2024-25 was
£8.3 billion, which is 27% higher than in 2014-15 in real terms –
a cash terms increase of 71%.
Pre-primary education expenditure has more than doubled in real
terms over the past decade to £1.1 billion in 2024-25, up from
£516 million in 2015-16, with 95% of this going on the delivery
of the 1140 hours early learning and childcare offer.
Education Secretary said:
“This investment underlines the Scottish Government's commitment
to education, working in partnership with councils, and means
Scotland has the best paid teachers in the UK, the lowest
pupil-teacher ratio and the highest education spending per head
in the UK.
“Schools are delivering literacy and numeracy attainment at the
highest levels on record, with a record low attainment gap for
literacy and numeracy in primary and secondary schools.
Attendance has improved, class sizes are smaller, and there are
more teachers in Scotland's classrooms.
“Last year's exam results also showed there were more passes at
every level compared to 2024, while the total number of Higher
entries passed the landmark 200,000 level for the first time
since Curriculum for Excellence was introduced in 2010. We
have also made strong progress on widening access to higher
education regardless of background or circumstance, with record
numbers of young Scots in 2025 securing university places in
Scotland who will benefit from free tuition.
“As we reflect on progress over the past ten years we are also
looking to the future with local authorities and headteachers, to
agree how best we might collectively go further and faster.”
Background
Local government finance
statistics - gov.scot
Country and regional analysis:
2025 - GOV.UK
Separate research by the Institute for
Fiscal Studies estimated that in 2024-25 school spending
per pupil was around £1,700, or 20%, higher in Scotland than in
England.
