Education boss backs schools shakeup

A major shake-up in how schools are run is being backed by council education bosses.

Education Secretary John Swinney unleashed moves to close the gap between the poorest and richest kids, provide heads with more powers to choose staff, decide on the curriculum and have more control of school funding.

Mr Swinney’s sweeping review of school governance will also give parents a bigger voice in the running of schools.

He said:“Reform will require collective effort across the system and I am determined to work with others to put in place a strong system, to ensure that we have the necessary reforms undertaken to make Scottish education world-class.”

Jim Paterson, Renfrewshire Council’s convener for Education and Children’s Services, backed the move.

He said:“We welcome any changes which seek to make improvements to education and attainment for children and young people.

“We have already shown our commitment to this cause by signing up to the attainment challenge and working with the Scottish Government to raise attainment levels for all.

“Local authorities play an essential role in the lives of children and young people by developing and implementing policy while allowing schools the flexibility to make changes which matter on at a local level.

“We are determined to make a difference in closing the attainment gap for pupils and helping all our young people reach their full potential. We believe we are on track to delivering this change.”