29 April 2005
Pupil-teacher ratios in Scotland are falling as the number of teachers rises, according to new figures this week.
Figures published by the Scottish Executive for September 2004 show there is now an average of one teacher for every 14.6 pupils, down 0.3% on previous figures.
The executive has pledged to reduce class sizes to a maximum of 25 in primary schools and 20 for maths and English in the first years of secondary school by 2007.
Trainee teacher numbers are also rising, with 2,356 students on postgraduate certificate of education courses.
Education Minister Peter Peacock said: 'Our decision to break the link of teacher numbers being tied to falling school rolls is now paying dividends.'
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