Christina McKelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse welcomed newly published statistics which show that school buildings across Scotland are in their best condition since recorded figures began.

Statistics show that in April 2007 61% of schools were in good or satisfactory condition with that number climbing to 90% in April 2021. This improvement has seen the percentage of pupils taught in good or satisfactory schools increase from 61% to 92% over the same period.

Christina has also welcomed the findings that there has been a 77% fall in the number of pupils educated in schools in poor or bad condition, with 1000 schools having been refurbished during the last 14 years (2007-08 to 2020-21).

The Scottish Government will invest £1bn to continue building and refurbishing schools as part of the Learning Estate Investment Programme.

Christina said:

“Schools are so important to our communities across Scotland and that is why the SNP are committed to making them the best environment possible. The money invested in new schools and refurbishing existing buildings will be an investment in our young people, our teaching staff and local areas up and down the country.

“These latest statistics illustrate how that investment is making a real difference to thousands of children and young people. In terms of measuring how our schools are improving, these are the best statistics since records began.

“While this progress is fantastic the SNP want to go further. Our £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme will see schools upgraded across Scotland, benefitting around 50,000 pupils."