Swinney must go

JOhn Swinney’s ‘suck it and see’ approach to education is as ridiculous as it is damaging.

education is in a lamentable state, with Scotland falling far behind not only england, but also europe.

the useless curriculum for excellence failed dismally and the lack of teachers for secondary pupils and the reduction in curriculum opportunities beggars belief.

Some secondary schools are so lacking in teachers that parents are seeking private tuition to make up the shortfall – that is scandalous.

the home schooling project failed badly. Barmy blended learning was mooted, ridiculed, then ditched.

the SnP announced schools would not go back in August, then in an astonishing U-turn in June, Mr Swinney announced that they would.

now this latest fiasco – and the education Secretary thinks another U-turn will fix it.

he needs to be removed from office before any more of his half-baked ideas wreak havoc on the wellbeing and opportunities of young Scots.

not just a U-turn, Mr Swinney, this is where you turn right off the road. FElICITy ThOMSON, Symington, Ayrshire. the damage done to Scotland’s youngsters by those in charge of education with their ‘we know best’ attitude is incalculable.

John Swinney and the chief executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority should resign. RONAlD JAMES MBE,

Kirriemuir, Angus. nIcOlA Sturgeon must now tell the SQA to issue new exam results based on teacher assessments – then face accusations of dilution of standards as pass rates go through the roof.

John Swinney is responsible for this utter mess and should be sacked immediately. Scotland’s children deserve better. DENNIS FORBES GRATTAN,

Bucksburn, Aberdeen.