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Nearly One in Three Glasgow Pupils Now Classified as Learning English as an Additional Language

City officials say improved recording means the rise should not be read as a surge in new arrivals.

Overview

  • Scottish Government data put the share at 28.8%, or 20,717 of 71,957 pupils, up from 22.5% in 2019.
  • Reports say Glasgow was accommodating 3,777 asylum seekers at the end of September, the highest total for any UK local authority.
  • The council says many EAL learners are not recent arrivals and that overseas enrolments have fallen by more than 1,000 this academic year.
  • Schools provide specialist English-language teachers and classroom support for pupils developing proficiency.
  • Opposition politicians, including Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr, warned about effects on standards and cohesion, and further 2025–26 data is expected later this month.