New teachers welcomed to the profession

Press Release 10 August 2006

The newest group of teachers in Scotland was welcomed to the profession by Minister for Education Peter Peacock today, 10 August 2006.

They are among 2,700 teachers who have recently completed their one-year probation - part of a huge influx of new teachers who are helping the Scottish Executive meet its target of 53,000 teachers by 2007.

Addressing some of these teachers at a GTCS reception, Mr Peacock said:

"Teachers are the lifeblood of our schools, giving our children the best start in life and ensuring they fulfil their potential. That's why we're investing heavily to attract Scotland's best and brightest into the profession.

"We are boosting teacher numbers at a time when school rolls are falling dramatically, helping us cut class sizes and target resources where we believe they can make the most difference. Every one of these new teachers has a key role in creating the ambitious, excellent schools our children deserve.

"We have added a further £14.5 million to the extra £18 million already given to councils this year for new teachers. This will allow them to employ around 450 extra teachers."

Chief Executive and Registrar of the General Teaching Council for Scotland, Matthew MacIver said:

"I am pleased to be able to award full registration to this latest group of teachers.

"The probation scheme has proved successful and is producing teachers of a high calibre. This can only be good news for young people in Scotland who will benefit from their skills.

"Education in Scotland is well regarded across the world and I am sure these new teachers will uphold and enhance that reputation still further."

Probationer teachers were nominated by their employers to attend today's event at the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. A total of 62 teachers took part from as far a field as Shetland and Dumfries.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

All newly qualified teachers in Scotland are required to complete a period of probation.

This is the period of time in which they develop their teaching skills and benefit from the support of their colleagues. That support helps them become integrated into school life. It is necessary so that today's new teachers are able to take on the demands and responsibilities of teaching.

During the probationary period teaching is monitored so that the right level of support is offered.

The Scottish Executive has pledged to increase teacher numbers to 53,000 by 2007. At a time of falling pupil numbers, this will see class sizes further reduced to 25 in P1 and 20 in maths and English classes in S1 and S2. Record numbers of teachers are being new trained - around 2,700 started their one-year probation last year and around 3,600 are due to begin their probation this year.

For more information about this release contact Martin Osler, GTCS PR, 07739185522 or email martin@oslermedia.com