SNP must spend more on education

NICOLA Sturgeon once said that education would be her top priority.

The First Minister made great play of her commitment to improve school standards when she took over from Alex Salmond in 2014.

And she seemed determined to make good on the pledge by appointing her most trusted lieutenant John Swinney to the role of Education Secretary.

The Deputy First Minister is a talented politician who seems genuinely committed to improving chances for the poorest children, widening access to university and laying the foundations for a strong workforce. But Swinney has been in post for more than two years with little to show for his efforts.

His flagship Education Bill was shelved in June, just days before MSPs went off on their summer holidays. The SNP insist the key reforms can be introduced more quickly without changing the law.

But most observers believe the decision was more to do with the strength of opposition from teachers, unions and parents.

The Government are also facing major controversy over standardised testing. Tough exams that have left five-year-olds in tears are causing particular problems.

And all the while, schools up and down the country continue to be starved of cash.

Research commissioned by Scottish Labour today shows funding for schools has been cut by £400million since 2010.

Sturgeon and Swinney can make all the promises they like on education.

Eventually, they’ll have to put their money where their mouth is.