BREAKING NEWS: Moray councillors have just voted against declaring an education emergency, despite mounting claims of an “existential crisis” in local schools. The pivotal decision occurred during an education meeting on November 25, 2023, where councillors discussed alarming reports revealing some of the lowest secondary school attainment rates in over five years.
The motion, proposed by Councillor Sandy Keith (Elgin City North, Labour), aimed to sound an urgent alarm regarding the educational challenges facing the region. However, in a contentious vote, the motion was defeated by eight votes to five. This outcome has sent shockwaves through the community, as concerns about children’s futures continue to escalate.
The troubling report presented during the meeting disclosed that only 53 percent of S4 pupils in Moray attained a National 5 literacy and numeracy qualification, significantly below the Scottish average. Furthermore, data indicated that Moray pupils had performed worse in the 2025 exam results compared to the previous year at nearly every qualification level, except one.
The severity of these findings prompted the council to bring in chief executive Karen Greaves for a direct discussion. Councillor Derek Ross (Speyside Glenlivet, Independent) emphasized the importance of their responsibility, stating, “If we get it wrong, we are failing them.” His comments reflect a growing concern that the educational landscape is deteriorating year after year.
During the heated discussions, Councillor Donald Gatt (Keith and Cullen, Conservative) urged the council to “bite the bullet” and seek assistance from Education Scotland. In response, Chief Executive Greaves confirmed she was already in conversations with the organization and would expedite those discussions.
Adding to the urgency, teaching union representative Susan Slater highlighted the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in addressing the situation. She criticized the councillors for “fundamentally missing the point,” asserting that the proposed teacher-developed improvement plan was a significant departure from previous strategies.
As the situation unfolds, the implications for Moray’s students are profound. Local parents and educators alike are anxiously watching for the council’s next steps, as the community grapples with the pressing need for immediate action to reverse the troubling trends in educational outcomes.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates on Moray’s educational crisis and what measures will be taken to support local students.
