Struck off teachers: We need the highest standards possible

Figures released today show that 74 teachers have been struck off the teaching register in the past six years. 46 were struck off following criminal convictions, 26 for misconduct and two for incompetence.

Earlier this month, Scottish Conservatives revealed 17 teachers were struck off the teaching register in 2009/10 - the highest number since devolution.

Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, says:

"There is a tiny minority of teachers who deserve to be struck-off and it is vitally important that when there are very serious cases of indiscipline or persistent incompetence, this is the outcome.

"Parents, pupils and other teachers need to have the assurance that the teaching profession in Scotland operates to the highest possible standards. In particular, parents want the assurance there will be no room for incompetence in the teaching profession. Being taught by a good teacher, as opposed to one who is struggling, can make all the difference in the world. In secondary schools it can make the difference between passing and failing an exam.

"The GTCS has made this abundantly clear and the increase in the numbers of teachers who have been struck off provides evidence that they are determined to abide by these high standards.

"In recent years we have had problems with teaching graduates being able to find employment. There are hundreds of well qualified teachers who can't find jobs and who can replace those who are struck off."

Below is the parliamentary question Liz Smith received at the beginning of August

Elizabeth Smith (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many teachers have been struck off the teaching register in each year since 1999.
(S3W-35159)
Mr Adam Ingram :

The table shows the numbers of teachers struck off the teaching register in each year.

1999-00    5
2000-01    8
2001-02    2
2002-03    5
2003-04    4
2004-05    8
2005-06    13
2006-07    8
2007-08    10
2008-09    15
2009-10    17

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