Rennie reveals record number of early career teachers quitting

Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie has today revealed that the number of early career teachers quitting has hit a new high, with 374 leaving the profession last year alone.

A Scottish Liberal Democrat freedom of information request to the General Teaching Council for Scotland has revealed that since 2018:

• 1,673 registrants have permanently left the register, within 5 years of gaining provisional registration.
• The number of recent registrants leaving the register each year has doubled from 183 in 2018 to 374 in 2024.

Mr Rennie said:

“Teaching is not as attractive a career as it once was. Who would want to face violence in the classrooms while salaries in industry race ahead?

“Teachers who are just starting out on their careers are feeling demoralised, disillusioned and disincentivised.

“The SNP once claimed they wanted to be judged on their record on education. They certainly aren’t saying that anymore.

“Our young people need access to great teachers and a great education if we want them to get ahead in life.  

“Scottish Liberal Democrats want to see properly resourced schools and education authorities with a plan for getting Scottish education moving in the right direction. We would make teaching a more attractive career path by bringing back principal teachers for key subjects, boosting in-class support and giving teachers the authority they need to halt violence in our schools.”