Drop in pupil numbers entering Gaelic medium education in the Western Isles

Pupil numbers enrolling in Gaelic medium education has seen fall of 12% in the Western Isles this year.

The drop has been described as “very disappointing” by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Chief officer of education and children’s services, Donald MacLeod.

Overall, 42% of pupils starting primary education in the Western Isles in August had entered Gaelic medium education (GME).

The rate is similar to that seen in 2018, and prior to the authority’s introduction of a Gaelic-first education policy.

Mr MacLeod said that the Comhairle had spoken with parents to see what their reasons were for their decisions and what could be done to address the issue next year.

He confirmed that the most significant reason for the drop in numbers had been deferrals of entry.

The authority is seeing a larger number than was expected of pupils eligible to start primary education, but not yet five years, old opting to remain in nursery education for a further year.

This impacted GME entrants, with 25% of those planning on opting for GME choosing to defer until next year.

Mr MacLeod confirmed numbers entering GME next year are expected to return to the previously higher rates.

He added some parents had wanted an extra year of Gaelic immersion for their children at nursery level before going to primary school.