FIVE new schools are set to open in Edinburgh according to recent budget plans, as statistics show that over 300 schools have closed in recent years.
Data analysed by the Scottish Conservatives shows that though 174 publicly-funded schools have opened since 2007, 384 have closed.
Budget plans show that the City of Edinburgh Council is planning on building five new schools in the city and will expand a further five more.
A local democracy reporter has stated that £296m will be spent on the buildings, locations of which include Gilmerton, Granton, and Queensferry.
Research has shown that average primary school classes in Scotland have grown from 22.8 pupils in 2007 to 23.3 in 2024, and there are almost 10,000 more students now compared to 18 years ago.
The council has reportedly set aside money in next week’s upcoming budget for new primary schools in Builyeon, Gilmerton Station, Granton Waterfront, Newcraighall and St Catherine’s.
They have also proposed plans for expansions at Hillwood, Queensferry and Frogston, and Castlebrae and Craigmount high schools.
Shadow cabinet secretary for education and skills Miles Briggs said: “The startling reduction in the number of schools since the SNP government came into office proves that, far from being a priority, education provision has declined on their watch.
He went on to say: “It follows the nationalists’ withdrawal of Scottish schools from international comparison tables, the revelation that our pupils now lag behind those in England on key measures, the broken promise to eradicate the poverty-related attainment gap and a rising tide of classroom violence.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson has said: “Local authorities have a statutory responsibility to ensure there is adequate and efficient school provision in their area.
“Decisions on the school estate are for them to take.
“The Scottish Government is continuing to invest in the school estate through the £2bn Learning Estate Investment Programme.
“Construction will begin on a further eight school building projects over the next year and direct Scottish Government investment has seen the number of schools in ‘good’ and ‘satisfactory’ condition increase from 62.7% in 2007 to 91.7% in 2024.”
Edinburgh City Council is set to invest £23m in upgrading special needs schools in the city, and will also put £5m towards safer commuting routes for school children.