Scottish Govt reports rise in school estate standards

More than 92% of pupils in Scotland are now taught in schools rated good or satisfactory, according to the latest government statistics.

The Scottish Government said the figure, 92.5% in 2025, reflects sustained investment in school buildings made in partnership with councils. It compares with 92% in 2024 and 62.7% in 2007.

Since 2019, 14 new schools have opened under the £2bn Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP). In 2024-25 alone, 17 new builds or major refurbishments were completed, including 15 primary and two secondary schools.

Education secretary, Jenny Gilruth, said: “Through the £2bn LEIP investment, a further three school projects are expected to be completed this year, and we will continue working with COSLA, councils and the Scottish Futures Trust to maximise future improvements.”

Among the schools recently completed is Currie Community High School in Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s first Passivhaus-standard secondary schools. Passivhaus is an ultra-low energy building design aimed at reducing carbon emissions and creating healthier learning environments.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, children and young people spokesperson at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), said councils were contributing £1bn of their own funding to LEIP. He said the investment was not only improving the estate but also supporting Scotland’s transition to net zero.

The Learning Estate Investment Programme followed the £1.8bn Schools for the Future programme, which saw 117 projects completed.