Information Bulletin
28 February 2006
'Pupils in Scotland, 2005' (SEED, 2006)
Statistics on the number of pupils in Scottish Schools have been published today and give an extensive analysis within a large range of categories.
As far as Shetland’s overall pupil population is concerned, the figures in this publication show that the general downward trend of previous years continues, with the overall roll having decreased by 168 pupils since 2000. In the primary sector, the decrease is 176 pupils since 2000 while in the Secondary sector numbers have remained much steadier over the period and the 2005 figures are actually up by five on the 2004 figures.
Shetland, while it is not the Authority with smallest class sizes in Scotland, has the second lowest average primary-class size in Scotland, at 17 pupils. This highly favourable class/teacher ratio is one important factor in contributing to the positive ethos and the high levels of attainment and achievement in Shetland schools.
The staying-on rate for S3-S6 in Shetland secondary schools is 56.1% compared with the national level of 47.8%. The education system and the schools locally are well geared to the needs of those students who choose to remain at school beyond S4 and this is reflected in the outstanding performance of the students in national examinations.
Ends.