Schools in two council areas added to Attainment Challenge

Councils will be given more than £20 million to improve teaching in up to 133 secondary schools.

Education Secretary John Swinney has announced the Scottish Attainment Challenge, which aims to improve teaching for deprived pupils, will be extended to East Ayrshire and Renfrewshire, taking the number of “challenge authorities” up to nine.

Mr Swinney will address headteachers, school and council representatives in Glasgow today.

An additional £20m will be devoted to raising attainment in primary schools in challenge authority areas in 2016-17.

Mr Swinney said: “We must support and empower teachers to deliver an education system that gives all young people the chance to reach their potential and achieve their ambitions, and ensure our schools are places where young people can overcome inequality and succeed regardless of their background.”