Attainment gap shows the challenge facing Sturgeon in the classroom

Comment By Tom Peterkin

those in Edinburgh and East Renfrewshire face the greatest struggle finding an affordable place to live, with house prices almost eight times the median annual salary.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We have clearly stated that a child born today, irrespective of socioeconomic background, should have an equal chance of entering university by the time he or she leaves school.

“Our policy and spend decisions since then have shown our commitment to this aim … We are also committed to a range of actions outside of education to promote social mobility.” t is two years since Nicola Sturgeon promised to make education her number one priority. Her declaration was a bold statement of intent of her ambition to sort out the once-proud Scottish education system. The seriousness with which she takes this particular task is underlined by the appointment of her most capable minister John Swinney as Education Secretary.

But despite the good intentions and strong rhetoric, improving standards across the state sector remains an enor-