Modern languages teachers fall by more than a fifth since SNP came to power

Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP has today said that the SNP are undermining opportunities for young people after new analysis revealed that the number of modern languages teachers has fallen by more than a fifth since 2008, with the numbers of French and German teachers now the lowest on record.

Analysis by the party of the Supplementary Schools Statistics reveals that since 2008:

• There has been a 22.3% decline in the number of modern language teachers, a decrease of 374 teachers.
• There has been a 44.2% fall in French teachers since 2008- there are now just 597 French teachers, the lowest on record.
• The number of German teachers has fallen by 63.3% since 2008- there are now just 66 German teachers, also the lowest on record.

Mr Rennie said:

“There are so many careers and aspects of life where being able to speak another language is hugely beneficial. But that’s extremely hard to do without the teachers who can develop those key language skills.

“Subjects like French and German have been squeezed by reforms to the curriculum.

“If we are to give young people choices and secure the best future for them, the Scottish Government need to introduce more incentives to attract suitable people, including those who are later on in their careers and want to contribute to the next generation. It requires a concerted effort from government and councils to make this happen.

“Ultimately, however, if we are to get Scottish education back to its best, we need a change of government.”