Alexander Burnett MSP has warned rural schools are suffering the most from an exodus of teachers after a new report found 80% faced insecure employment over the last year, with only 12.5% moving into permanent posts for the upcoming term.
A new report by Scottish Teachers for Permanence, a group dedicated to advocating for job security and stability for more than 4,500 teachers across the country, also found 47.9% face either supply-only work or unemployment for 2025-26.
It also highlighted that 60.4% of teachers believe their professional service is not recognised by local authorities in recruitment.
The survey, of 555 respondents, found nearly half of teachers with six or more years’ experience are still denied permanent contracts.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, said: “These alarming findings highlight the deepening crisis that exists within the Scottish education system, particularly in our rural schools.
“Teachers are at the end of their tether, and it is time the SNP government urgently addressed their concerns.
“We cannot allow a situation to continue where teachers are struggling to put food on the table, while schools in regions such as Aberdeenshire are struggling to recruit teachers.
“Many are also uncertain over what their future employment prospects are after completing their probation period amid the continuing scourge of temporary contracts.
“Losing them will significantly hamper literacy and numeracy levels, as well as limiting opportunities for pupils to learn foreign languages and technical skills.
“The Scottish Government must take notice of these findings by giving teachers secure employment in rural areas so every child has the same educational opportunities, regardless of where they live.”
