Moray councillors have voted against a motion to declare an education emergency, despite concerns over an “existential crisis” in local schools. During an education committee meeting on November 25, 2023, Councillor Sandy Keith (Elgin City North, Labour) proposed the motion in response to alarming reports on secondary school attainment rates. The committee discussed findings that revealed only 53 percent of S4 pupils in Moray achieved a National 5 literacy and numeracy qualification, a figure significantly lower than the Scottish average.
The motion to declare an education emergency was ultimately defeated by a narrow margin, with eight councillors voting against it and five in favor. This decision came after the committee reviewed a report indicating that Moray pupils’ exam results for 2025 showed a decline compared to the previous year at all qualification levels, except one.
Concerns Raised Over Educational Standards
The report’s troubling findings prompted the council to invite chief executive Karen Greaves to participate in the meeting. Councillor Keith expressed deep concern, stating he had “zero assurance” that educational conditions were improving. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, reflecting a sentiment shared by other councillors.
Independent Councillor Derek Ross highlighted the importance of getting educational outcomes right for students, noting, “If we get it wrong, we are failing them.” He also acknowledged the growing severity of the issues faced by students in Moray, indicating that the situation has worsened each year.
Conservative Councillor Donald Gatt urged the council to “bite the bullet” and admit they need external assistance, suggesting collaboration with Education Scotland. In response, Chief Executive Greaves confirmed that she was already in discussions with the organization to seek support and would expedite the planned meeting.
Collective Responsibility for Improvement
During the meeting, teaching union representative Susan Slater stressed that the current state of educational attainment is a collective responsibility. She criticized the councillors for what she perceived as a fundamental misunderstanding of the teacher-developed improvement plan included in the report. Slater pointed out that the approach is different from those of previous years and requires a broad commitment to change.
Councillor Ross reaffirmed that the council does not blame teaching staff for the declining standards but emphasized that the challenges are increasingly serious. As discussions continue, the focus remains on addressing the educational needs of students in Moray, with the hope that concerted efforts can lead to improvements in the near future.
