Edinburgh’s educational performance has surpassed the national average, particularly in later-years attainment, while literacy rates in primary schools have shown significant improvement. Recent figures from the City of Edinburgh Council reveal ongoing progress in closing the attainment gap between students from affluent and disadvantaged backgrounds. This development indicates a positive trend in educational equity within the city.
According to a report prepared for the Education, Children, and Families Committee, Edinburgh schools excel in National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualifications. The number of pupils achieving five Highers has steadily increased since 2022. In terms of literacy, the council reported that 79% of primary pupils in P1, P4, and P7 have acquired essential literacy skills, reflecting a narrowing of the gap by over 1% for the 2024/25 school year compared to the previous year and more than 6% since 2022/23.
Focus on Closing the Attainment Gap
The City of Edinburgh Council has made it a priority to provide equal educational opportunities for learners in disadvantaged areas. The Scottish Government’s Scottish Attainment Challenge Framework, established in 2022, aims to address the disparities between impoverished and wealthier schools. While the latest figures indicate some progress, the report highlights that inconsistencies persist across various metrics.
The gap in literacy skills between the least and most deprived schools remains at 17%. Furthermore, improvements were observed among secondary school pupils, particularly in S3, where the gap in attainment has also shrunk. In terms of numeracy, the council noted mixed results; although some progress has been made, the data is not uniformly positive.
Edinburgh’s overall performance in final-year school attainment remains strong. When comparing complementary tariff points, which reflect the best scores from each pupil across subjects, the city’s schools consistently ranked above the national average for S4, S5, and S6 students. This trend is particularly notable given the increasing challenges associated with assessment methods.
Continuing Challenges and Future Goals
Despite the positive trends, the report emphasizes that the gap in attainment for S4, S5, and S6 cohorts is still “unacceptably high.” The City of Edinburgh Council has been approached for further comment on its strategies to address these ongoing challenges.
As the council continues to work towards achieving educational equity, the focus remains on ensuring that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, receive the support and resources necessary to succeed academically. The steady rise in literacy rates and overall attainment in Edinburgh schools suggests that these efforts are making a meaningful impact, although further work is required to close the remaining gaps in performance.
