Spending on schools across Scotland has increased by more than £1 billion in real terms over the last decade, according to new official statistics.
The data shows that local authority funding for Primary, Secondary and Special schools reached £7 billion in 2024–25, representing a 19.7% real‑terms increase from £5.8 billion in 2014–15. Average spending per pupil across Primary and Secondary schools has also risen significantly over the same period.
In real terms, per‑pupil funding increased by more than £1,000, reaching an average of £8,683 per pupil in 2024–25. The figures reflect sustained investment in day‑to‑day school provision delivered by local authorities.
Beyond schools, the statistics show growth in overall local government education expenditure.
Total local authority education spending in Scotland reached £8.3 billion in 2024–25, a 27% real‑terms increase compared with 2014–15. In cash terms, this represents a rise of 71% over the decade.
The figures include spending on schools, early years, and wider education services delivered at a local level.
Spending on early learning and childcare has more than doubled in real terms, rising from £516 million in 2015–16 to £1.1 billion in 2024–25.
Scottish Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:
“This investment underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to education, working in partnership with councils, and means Scotland has the best paid teachers in the UK, the lowest pupil-teacher ratio and the highest education spending per head in the UK.
“Schools are delivering literacy and numeracy attainment at the highest levels on record, with a record low attainment gap for literacy and numeracy in primary and secondary schools. Attendance has improved, class sizes are smaller, and there are more teachers in Scotland’s classrooms.
“Last year’s exam results also showed there were more passes at every level compared to 2024, while the total number of Higher entries passed the landmark 200,000 level for the first time since Curriculum for Excellence was introduced in 2010. We have also made strong progress on widening access to higher education regardless of background or circumstance, with record numbers of young Scots in 2025 securing university places in Scotland who will benefit from free tuition.
“As we reflect on progress over the past ten years we are also looking to the future with local authorities and headteachers, to agree how best we might collectively go further and faster.”
Around 95% of this funding is being directed towards the delivery of Scotland’s 1,140 hours early learning and childcare offer, expanding access to funded childcare for families across the country.
The decade‑long increase in education spending reflects a sustained focus on supporting children and young people at every stage — from early years through to secondary education and specialist provision.
The latest figures highlight how rising investment has been distributed across schools, per‑pupil funding and early years services, forming a significant component of overall local government spending in Scotland.
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