Published: Wednesday, 26th November, 2008 4:30pm

Dramatic fall in teachers

An official list shows that teacher numbers have dramatically fallen in the last 12 months.

Figures obtained by The Gazette show that every secondary school in Renfrewshire has less full time teachers this year than last year except for St Benedict"s in Linwood which has slightly more than in 2007.

Overall teacher numbers in Renfrewshire fell from 927.3 to 850 - a drop of more 77.3.

The leaked dossier has revealed the true extent of budget cuts in Renfrewshire schools with the number of teachers at Johnstone High down from 91.8 full time posts in 2007 to 84.8 this year.

The list has angered parents who now fear for their children"s education.

One concerned mum with a 13-year-old daughter is worried that the level of education her child receives will suffer from the cuts.

She said: 'Class sizes are still too big and there is not enough one-to-one teaching between teachers and pupils and more money should be spent on our kid"s education not less.

'The level of professionalism and teaching at my child"s Johnstone school is excellent and I am very happy to send my daughter there.

'But they have seen a huge drop in the number of full time teachers in the school since last year.

'My daughter, like other pupils, sometimes needs extra learning and support.

'My concern is that there will be too much pressure put on the teachers who are left and she won"t get the same level of care and attention she has been used to.'

Renfrewshire Council were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.

SCHOOL 2007 2008

Arkleston Primary 20.6 18.6 DOWN

Auchenlodment Primary 15.4 14.4 DOWN

Bargarran Primary 14.6 13.6 DOWN

Barsail Primary 16.2 16.8 UP

Bishopton Primary 18.7 18.0 DOWN

Bridge of Weir Primary 21.5 17.1 DOWN

Cochrane Castle Primary 7.6 7.6 NO CHANGE

East Fulton Primary 20 17.6 DOWN

Fordbank Primary 12.4 12.4 NO CHANGE

Houston Primary 19.5 19.6 UP