Swinney urges opposition at Holyrood to back his reforms to Scottish schools
Education secretary John Swinney has urged rival parties at Holyrood to back his plans for sweeping reforms to Scotland’s schools.
The changes are to be debated by the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Swinney said: “Government alone cannot realise our ambition of creating a worldclass education system for Scotland. That is why I am reaching out to everyone in Parliament.
“The detail of our reforms will need to be developed in close collaboration with local government, the teaching profession, parents and young people. I want everyone to join with us in closing the attainment gap and raising the bar for all.”
The changes will see headteachers given a raft of new powers as they become responsible for raising attainment and closing the gap between the poorest and richest pupils.
Heads will also have the power to choose staff and management structures, decide on the curriculum within a broad national framework, and directly control “significantly” more funding.