A GREENOCK-BORN MSP says schoolchildren in Inverclyde are being ‘held back’ after figures revealed the area has received no additional science teachers since 2013.

In a written parliamentary question, Jamie Greene asked the Scottish Government how many arts and science teachers had been employed by secondary schools over the last decade.

The statistics show that 43 science teachers were employed in Inverclyde in 2013. In 2023, the figure remains the same.

Mr Greene said: “Pupils in Inverclyde are being forced to make do with the same number of science teachers as ten years ago whilst their peers in Glasgow, Edinburgh and even the Shetland Islands have more science teachers than in 2013.”

Last month, a report to the Strategic Board for Teacher Education showed only 60 per cent of new secondary teacher places had been filled last year.

OTHER NEWS: Council 'doorstepping' parents amid concerning drop in school attendance

Mr Greene believes science subject teachers should be ‘at the heart’ any plan to boost staffing numbers to ensure pupils have ‘the best access to the industries and jobs of the future’.

The West Scotland MSP added: “The SNP say it’s their priority to close the attainment gap in areas like Inverclyde, but they haven’t bothered to increase the number of science teachers here in a decade.

“Science and STEM subjects are becoming more and more important in today’s world, and our school children need to be prepared for that.

“But the SNP seem set on holding our children back rather than provide them with the opportunities they deserve.

“That simply isn’t good enough.”