The number of pupils in Scotland's schools is expected to fall by more than 100,000 over the next decade, according to new figures from the Scottish Executive.

Projections published by executive experts predict that there will be 80,000 fewer pupils in primary schools and 36,000 less at secondary level by 2012.

The figures for publicly-funded education were compiled using information from the 2001 schools' census and population projections.

They also predict that the number of teachers will decline over the same period despite an increase in the wake of the McCrone pay and conditions' deal last year.

There will be fewer pupils in the next decade

According to the figures, the number of pupils in pre-school centres is expected is expected to fall from the current 105,600 to about 94,000 in 2012.

A total of 420,500 primary school children in 2001 is expected to fall to 340,000 in 2012.

And the number of secondary youngsters is expected to rise slightly until 2004, then fall steadily until 2012, when the total is expected to be 280,000 - 13% down on its present 316,400.

For both primary and secondary schools, the number of teachers is expected to rise until 2004 as a result of the pay and conditions' deal and then to follow the decline in pupils.

The number of primary teachers is expected to rise slightly to 22,700, in 2004, then fall to under 21,000 in 2012.

The number of secondary teachers is expected to rise from 24,600 last year to 25,200 in 2004, then fall to 22,600 in 2012, an 8% decline on present levels.