Meeting of the Parliament 29 March 2017
I do not have time.
Education Scotland already runs independently of Government, but I would support a review of the processes that are in place—as Ross Greer and other members mentioned—to ensure that things are being done as well as they can be.
The SQA has had its problems and those should be addressed, but we should support it as it attempts to make the necessary improvements to improve attainment. The SQA is already committed to working closely with teachers to develop new qualifications. It is reviewing its approach to engagement and communication with teachers, and it will work to ensure that its relationship with the profession reflects the mutual trust and support that it and teachers have enjoyed throughout the SQA’s history.
I have made this point previously in debates, as other members have, but it is worth reinforcing: in aiming to improve education in Scotland, we must all support those who work in our schools and who strive to provide quality education for our young people. We have a lot to be proud of in Scotland. More of our population is educated beyond school level than is the case in any other European country, and young people from the most deprived areas are now more likely to participate in higher education than they were 10 years ago. A higher number of young people than ever before leave school for positive destinations—