04 March 2025

Audit Scotland published a report on Thursday 27 February examining the effectiveness of the Scottish Government’s delivery of additional support for learning  in schools across Scotland.

The report found a '768% growth in pupils recorded as receiving additional support for learning' since the introduction of the Additional Support for Learning Act (2004), with 284,448 pupils in publicly funded schools currently receiving additional support for learning.

It also details a ‘wide gap’ between pupils who receive additional support for learning and other pupils, including a higher exclusion rate at 34.6 exclusions per 1000 pupils vs 7.1 per 1000, and a lower average attendance of 87% vs 92%.

Audit Scotland also outlined a major problem in accurately assessing the costs and effectiveness of additional support for learning in Scotland due to a lack of relevant data. This is caused in part by the integrated nature of additional support for learning; 93% is delivered in mainstream classes, which makes its separation from other education resources difficult.

Because of this difficulty, the report states that “The Scottish Government’s decisions on resourcing are not currently based on a good understanding of additional support needs and outcomes.”

In a statement released alongside the report, Auditor General Stephen Boyle said: “A lack of robust data means it’s impossible to know whether children’s rights to an education that develops their abilities, personalities, and talents is being met.

“The Scottish Government and councils must now fundamentally evaluate how additional support for learning is being resourced and planned for.”

John Swinney was asked to comment on the report during First Minister’s Question Time, stating: “I am always prepared to listen to reports from the Auditor General and to consider the implications for the Government and for local authorities, which are responsible for the delivery of education in our country. We take those issues seriously and will respond accordingly.

“I accept that more needs to be done, but important and substantial progress is being made on closing the attainment gap, and that is good for children and young people in our country.”

Billy Anderson, Head of Services at Children in Scotland said: “Children in Scotland welcomes Audit Scotland's briefing, which sadly reflects the day-to-day reality for so many children, young people and families across Scotland, along with the professionals working hard to support them under such difficult conditions. "

The Education Institute of Scotland welcomed the report, saying it “makes a valuable contribution to the compelling evidence, highlighting the need for increased resourcing to support young people with additional needs in our schools.”

Dyslexia Scotland also responded to the report, with Chief Executive Cathy Magee saying: “This report provides further evidence about the urgent need for action for more support, specialist training and consistency in schools to identify and support children and young people with additional support needs in Scottish schools.”

She added: “The postcode lottery for support in schools for additional support needs, including dyslexia, must end.”

Executive Director of Connect, Gavin Yates, said the report makes for “sobering reading”, and that “we need a fundamental rethink of both the scale of resourcing and provision in all strata of government.”