Record 40pc of pupils have additional needs

A record 284,000 pupils in Scotland now have conditions such as autism, dyslexia or mental health problems.

It means more than two out of five schoolchildren are classed as having additional support needs (ASN) after a surge in the number diagnosed over the past decade.

Campaigners warn there is a lack of specialist teachers and support staff to cope with those who need extra help to learn.

The latest government figures show there were 284,448 pupils with ASN this year – 40.5 per cent of the pupil population – up from 259,036 pupils in 2023. 

Umbrella group the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition said the numbers had more than doubled from 140,542 in 2014.

A spokesman said: ‘While more children and young people are being identified as having ASN, now at a record high, this is against the increasingly challenging backdrop of a lack of specialist teachers, support staff and resources.

Susan Quinn, education convener for the EIS teaching union, has warned support needs of too many young people with ASN are not met

‘This is not only letting down thousands of children and young people, but also their fellow pupils, teachers and support staff.

‘Increased support is critical, especially post the Covid pandemic and the damaging impact this has had on many of our children and young people, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, all of which is hitting the poorest hardest.

‘A decline in the number of special schools is also worrying, putting increased pressure on the mainstream sector, with many of those with ASN more suited to a special school environment.’

Susan Quinn, education convener for the EIS teaching union, said: ‘Over the past 15 years, the number of young people with ASN in our schools has risen from around 6 per cent to around 40 per cent. 

This is without a corresponding increase in the level of resources.’

She added: ‘The range and complexity of ASN has also continued to grow, placing ever more strain on teachers and support staff.

‘Far too many young people are not having their support needs met adequately.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Spending on ASN by education authorities reached a record £926million in 2022-23.

‘We recognise the growth in ASN presents challenges, which is why the Budget offers a package of measures worth an additional £29million, including support for the recruitment and retention of ASN workforce’