Press Release
18th January 2005

Inverclyde Schools Investment Soars 36% to £51.5 Million
Investment in Inverclyde’s schools has rocketed since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, according to official figures published today.

The report, “Expenditure on School Education in Scotland, 2005”, reveals that spending on all state schools in Inverclyde has risen from £37,885,000 in 1998-99 to £51,403,000 in 2003-04.  This is a 36% rise, amounting to an extra £1,051 for every primary pupil and an extra £1,262 for every secondary school pupil in the area.

The figures have been welcomed by MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, who said:

“There is, of course, more to delivering a first class education system than investment – but it is a vital prerequisite.

“I am delighted, therefore, that the Scottish Parliament era has seen revenue spending on local primary schools rise 31% to £21,216,000.  At the same time, the amount spent on local secondary schools has risen 36% to £25,678,000 and local special schools have seen a 60% increase to £4,509,000.  This is over an extra £1000 for every pupil in the area.”

The Scottish Parliament has taken investment in Scottish schools to record levels, with over £3.9 billion being spent on Scottish education last year.

Today’s report shows that:

• Total gross revenue expenditure on primary schools in Inverclyde has risen from £16,142,000 in 1998-99 to £21,216,000 in 2003-04.
• Total gross revenue expenditure on secondary schools has risen from £18,931,000 in 1998-99 to £25,678,000 in 2003-04.
• Spending on local special schools has risen from £2,812,000 to £4,509,000 over the same period.

This means that:

• The spending per primary school pupil has risen from £2,117 in 1998-99 to £3,168 in 2003-04.
• The spending per secondary school pupil has risen from £3,291 in 1998-99 to £4,553 in 2003-04.

  Education Minister Peter Peacock added:

“This Executive has committed itself to sorting out the legacy of years of underinvestment in schools.  Across the board – from pre-school and primary to secondary and special education - the money is delivering results.  Our pupils’ attainment is rising and Scotland ranks among the top performing nations in the world in education.  Our investment is to ensure more success in the future.

“This continued, and unprecedented, investment in education reflects our commitment to all Scotland's young people and our determination to ensure each and every one gets the chance to be all they can be.”
ENDS

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