WIREDGOV

Scotland’s teachers will see a reduction in class contact time after a landmark agreement was reached - averting industrial action in schools.

A weekly reduction of 90 minutes will be introduced on a phased basis, with primary school teachers and those working in special schools benefiting from August 2027. Secondary school teachers will follow two years later.

The Scottish Government has committed to meeting the full cost of implementing this agreement, including £40 million in 2026-27 for the recruitment of additional teachers required to deliver the change. Further funding to support this deal will be provided from 2027-28. An additional recurring investment of £1 million will be made to support rural and island communities that face challenges in recruiting teachers.

The deal was agreed by the Scottish Government and the EIS earlier this week before being ratified by COSLA during a meeting earlier today.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

"This is a significant milestone for Scotland's teaching profession. I am delighted that we have been able to reach a deal that works for teachers, parties in local government and most importantly our children and young people. I want to thank the EIS in particular for their constructive engagement and dialogue. This deal shows what can be achieved when we all work together in the interests of children and teachers. 

"Avoiding industrial action was essential - particularly at this critical time when pupils are preparing for their exams. This agreement ensures that any potential disruption to their learning has been averted.

"By giving teachers more protected time, we are taking meaningful action to reduce workload and stress, supporting a healthier, more sustainable teaching profession that will deliver better outcomes for children and young people across Scotland.

"This is a landmark investment in the teaching profession and in the quality of education that every child and young person in Scotland deserves."

Background

The £40 million investment for 2026-27 will also support councils with preparatory activity ahead of the phased rollout in the reduction of class contact time.

A multi-year budget line from 2027-28 onwards will cover the full implementation costs. This is based on modelling developed jointly with COSLA and refined using up-to-date demographic forecasting, census data, and pay and non-pay cost data.

The recurring £1 million investment for rural and island communities will help councils to offer or enhance incentive packages – such as relocation or housing support – to make hard to fill teaching posts more attractive.

This funding is in addition to the existing £186.5 million commitment to support teacher numbers.