One in five schools substandard

A FIFTH of Scotland's schools are still in either a poor or bad condition, according to new government statistics.

A survey of schools across the country found 19 per cent were in a "poor" condition, while a further 2 per cent were described as being "bad".

However, the number of schools in a poor condition was lower than in 2009 - when 21 per cent of all school buildings were classed as being in this category.

And when compared with 2007 - the year the SNP came to power - the number of schools that are less than satisfactory has fallen from 36 per cent.

Education secretary Michael Russell said that the statistics were "excellent news" for Scottish schoolchildren.

The minister added: "We now have 82 per cent of our school pupils in buildings rated as good or satisfactory, an increase of over 120,000 pupils in the last three years and a significant jump towards our 90 per cent target."

However, Conservative schools spokeswoman, Liz Smith, said: "The fact is that one in five is still either in poor or bad condition.

"There is an obvious concern and parents will want politicians to address it as a matter of urgency.

"The SNP government has shown a lack of clarity on the criteria that decides which schools merit a new building."

Ms Smith also called for private finance to be considered if it was in the interests of pupils and schools.