New proposals to ease teacher workload in Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced proposals to help alleviate workload pressures faced by teachers.

Work is underway with councils and teaching unions to create a plan to reduce class contact time for teachers, which is supported by increased funding for councils of £186.5 million to restore teacher numbers to 2023 levels.

In addition, independent work will be taken forward to examine how reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in Scottish education can improve teacher workload. This will be supported by guidance from the Chief Inspector of Education.

Greater use of digital technology will also be explored to help free up teachers’ time.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Scotland’s schools are responding to far greater pressures post-pandemic than they did five years ago, and this is having an impact on the teaching workload and, ultimately, children and young people.

“We recognise the pressures facing teachers, and it is absolutely crucial that we continue to support a delivery of measures to ease workloads. These proposals will ultimately provide teachers with additional time to prepare lessons and reduce the number of hours worked outside of the school day, enhancing their wellbeing and benefiting children and young people by providing an improved learning experience.

“Collaborative working with trade unions and local authorities is essential and we want this work to be delivered at pace.”