Education is a shame upon us all

SCOTTISH school pupils used to be able to count on getting an education that was the best in the world. This is no longer true. More than half of pupils leaving school don’t have a National 5 qualification in maths and the numbers of children passing this key exam has fallen dramatically in the past few years.

This is measureable proof that the education system is failing our children.

The SNP Government, in power for 10 years, must take most responsibility. But a spokesman for the education secretary, when questioned, claimed it was a dereliction of duty for an opposition party to level criticism without proposing a solution.

That is unacceptable. It is tantamount to an admission of defeat, an embarrassment to any modern nation.

However, while the Government and schools shoulder the greatest responsibility for rectifying the situation, there are others who should take a look at themselves.

Children shouldn’t be allowed to just sit at gaming consoles. They should at least know the multiplication tables.

School work is crucial, but so is homework. Parents and guardians have to share the responsibility.

Today’s children will be tomorrow’s leaders. Right now, any assumption they will be able to do the job doesn’t add up.

We can all do something to change that.