Figures for Wednesday’s Scottish Parliament education committee show there will be 107 inspections for 2016/17.
That compares to 115 last year, and 189 back in 2013/14.
In January, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson challenged Nicola Sturgeon on the lack of inspections at First Minister’s Questions.
In response, Ms Sturgeon said simply: “There will be an increase in inspections over coming years.”
However, latest statistics show this isn’t the case, with 90 primary schools to be inspected by the end of the academic year, along with 17 secondaries.
Shadow education secretary Liz Smith called on the Scottish Government to explain the decline, pointing out inspections generally ensure high educational standards in schools.
Education Scotland is the latest government quango to face criticism, after the Scottish Qualifications Authority was berated by teachers at last week’s Holyrood education committee.
Scottish Conservative shadow education secretary Liz Smith said:
“Nicola Sturgeon made a pledge to the Scottish Parliament earlier this year that there would be an increase in inspections.
“Yet this year, it is projected there will be fewer than at any point over the last five years.
“The First Minister has to explain why this promise has been broken, and what she intends to do to address the issue.
“Inspections of primary and secondary schools are essential in ensuring standards are high and children are receiving the best possible education in a good environment for learning.
“The SNP clearly thinks otherwise, and this is just another example of a Scottish Government quango failing to deliver when it comes to ensuring quality education.
“The SQA has already been severely criticised, and now Education Scotland will come under similar fire.”