Swinney forced to apologise over tests for pupils

SCOTLAND’S Education Secretary yesterday refused to back down over controversial tests for primary one pupils – despite the threat of a humiliating Holyrood defeat on the issue.

Opponents have urged John Swinney to scrap the standardised assessments, which have left many youngsters in tears, with parents, teachers and union bosses all raising concerns over the tests.

But, yesterday he reiterated his commitment to the tests as he was attacked over SNP failings on education. Despite refusing to scrap the assessments, Mr Swinney was forced to apologise over a ‘misleading’ letter sent by a senior civil servant.

A letter sent to councils last week claimed children could be excused from the tests only in ‘exceptional circumstances’ following confusion over whether they could be withdrawn if their parents expressed a wish to do so.

Graeme Logan, a deputy director at the Scottish Government, sent the letter and claimed advice had been taken from the Society of Local Authority Lawyers in Scotland (Solar) – a claim it disputed.

Mr Swinney said: ‘An error was made in that we expressed a view which we believed to have been expressed by Solar, but in fact Solar does not express such opinions. I can only apologise to parliament.’

Mr Swinney, who has already announced changes to the P1 tests, said he remained committed to them as they provided valuable information for teachers.

‘I want that information to be available so that at the earliest opportunity we can act to close the attainment gap,’ he said.

But MSPs have warned Mr Swinney he will face a defeat in the Holyrood chamber if he refuses to scrap the tests.

All opposition parties have vowed to vote in favour of ditching the controversial assessments. Green MSP Ross Greer said: ‘In the case of P1 tests it’s quite clear that a majority of this parliament want to see them go.’

Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said: ‘In P1, at least, they should be suspended.’

‘Act to close the attainment gap’