Building Better Schools

I grew up with nothing much and no one giving me a leg up. But education changed that. It helped me and my siblings escape poverty and build lives we’re proud of. My brother-in-law went from a state school to a PhD at Edinburgh. That’s the difference schools and teachers can make.

But right now, our schools are struggling and our kids are paying the price. Teachers are under pressure, specialist support is patchy or missing and too many children are being left behind – especially those with additional needs.

In Fife, around 30% of children will require additional support needs at some point in their time at nursery or school. Over a quarter of primary pupils and more than half of secondary pupils have additional support needs.

Yet parents are still fighting for months – even years – to get assessments and plans.

That isn’t inclusion. That’s letting our children down.

The SNP promised to close the attainment gap between Scotland’s richest and poorest pupils. Nicola Sturgeon called it her “defining mission”.

But what has happened? The gap has grown. Rural communities, lower-income families, children with extra needs – they’re still being left behind. Across Fife, class sizes are growing while teacher numbers are dropping.

Education can open the world – but not when you’re trapped by your postcode.

That’s why I’ll always speak up for:

• More investment in staff and spaces, so schools are safe, welcoming and fit for the future
• Specialist support for children with additional needs – without parents having to battle for years
• Fair pay and conditions for teachers, so they feel valued enough to stay and are respected for their work

I’ve seen what education can do, how it changes lives.

Let‘s make our schools the best they can be — so every child in Fife North East has the chance to thrive. No postcode lottery, no excuses.