Number of full-time PE teachers drops

THE number of full-time PE teachers in Scottish schools has fallen over the last five years, new figures show.

At present there are 1465 full-time PE teachers with permanent contracts in Scotland, a fall of seven per cent from 1572 in 2007, when the SNP came to power.

Over the same period the number of part-time PE teachers on permanent contracts has increased by three to 403 and there has been a significant increase in the number of PE teachers on short-term contracts.

Opposition politicians have voiced concern, Scottish Tory education spokeswoman Elizabeth Smith said: “Many of our Olympic medal-winners spoke about how they were inspired at an early age by their PE teachers, the SNP needs to take immediate action to provide more sporting chances for our young people.”