Law change allows teaching swap

Primary school teachers are now allowed to teach secondary pupils

Primary teachers in Scotland are able to teach in secondary schools following a change in the law.

Until now, secondary teachers have been allowed to teach in primary schools without going through further training.

However, primary teachers did not have an automatic right to teach in secondary schools.

Following a repeal of the Schools Scotland Code this is no longer the case as long as education authorities are satisfied they have the skills.

These measures help to reduce the bureaucracy and red tape about specific qualifications Robert Brown Deputy Education Minister

The change is expected to offer pupils more continuity, making their transfer to secondary school easier.

It is also likely to help the Scottish Executive fulfil its electoral pledge to cut class sizes in maths and English in secondary schools.

Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown said: "These measures help to reduce the bureaucracy and red tape about specific qualifications and introduce greater flexibility for teachers and schools.

"They also ensure teachers will get recognition for continuing professional development and allow them to try out different aspects of teaching."