Teaching Union Pushes for Increased Education Funding in Scotland in 2024

The EIS (Educational Institute of Scotland) is gearing up to push for amplified financial support in education during 2024.

Andrea Bradley, the EIS general secretary, expressed disappointment, noting that the recent Scottish Budget lacked crucial additional resources for schools.

Bradley emphasized the urgency of reducing class sizes and hiring more teachers to adequately address the needs of students, particularly those with additional support requirements. She highlighted the necessity to curb escalating violent behaviors in schools.

Moreover, Bradley stressed the importance of reducing teachers’ classroom time to alleviate their excessive workload. She criticized the Scottish Budget for containing cuts affecting pupil health, wellbeing, and support for care-experienced young people, further exacerbating existing challenges.

Asserting their ongoing campaign for enhanced funding and resources, Bradley pledged the union’s commitment to advocate for education priorities in the upcoming year. With a looming general election, the EIS intends to urge political parties to offer concrete commitments to uplift Scottish education.

Despite education being under Holyrood's jurisdiction, the EIS plans to lobby for increased backing for this critical public service in the run-up to the Westminster ballot. Bradley concluded by highlighting the sustained pressure on public services due to prolonged funding cuts, resource shortages, and reduced staffing levels in recent years.