Schools in Edinburgh have demonstrated significant improvements in educational attainment, with literacy rates in primary schools surpassing national averages. According to a recent report prepared for the Education, Children, and Families Committee, the attainment gap between wealthier and disadvantaged students has narrowed in literacy, although results in numeracy present a mixed picture.
The City of Edinburgh Council has made it a priority to close the educational attainment gap, particularly for students from the most deprived areas. The council reported that Edinburgh’s performance in National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications is notably above the national average. In fact, the number of pupils achieving five Highers has shown a continuous increase since 2022.
Literacy Improvements in Primary Schools
Statistics reveal that literacy rates among P1, P4, and P7 pupils have significantly improved, with a decrease in the attainment gap of over 1% for the academic year 2024/25 compared to the previous year. Since 2022/23, this gap has narrowed by more than 6%. Currently, 79% of pupils in these grades have achieved the necessary literacy skills, although the gap remains at 17% between the least and most deprived schools.
The Scottish Government introduced the Scottish Attainment Challenge Framework in 2022, which mandates local authorities to address disparities in educational outcomes. The latest figures indicate progress, yet inconsistencies persist across various subjects and grades.
Mixed Results in Numeracy and Overall Attainment
In terms of numeracy, the gap between wealthiest and most deprived schools has also shrunk, but the data is inconsistent. For S3 pupils, improvements are noted at the fourth level or higher; however, challenges remain in achieving uniform success across all areas.
Edinburgh’s overall performance in final-year attainment is commendable. When comparing the complementary tariff points scored by schools, Edinburgh ranks significantly above the national average for S4, S5, and S6 students. Notably, the percentage of S6 learners obtaining five Higher qualifications has consistently improved year-on-year since 2022, despite the increasing challenges associated with assessment methods.
Despite these advancements, the report underscores that the attainment gap remains “unacceptably high” for S4, S5, and S6 cohorts. The City of Edinburgh Council has been contacted for further comment regarding these findings.
The strides made in literacy and attainment among Edinburgh’s schools highlight a commitment to educational equity, but ongoing efforts will be necessary to ensure that all students receive equal opportunities for success.
