Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has delivered a blistering assessment of the Scottish National Party's educational record, accusing nationalists of presiding over a 'decade of mismanagement' that has left Scotland's once-proud education system in crisis.
A Legacy of Broken Promises
In her strongest intervention to date, the Labour frontbencher highlighted how Scotland has tumbled down international rankings under SNP governance. 'Scotland's schools were once the envy of the world,' Phillipson noted, 'but sixteen years of SNP neglect have left teachers overworked, resources stretched thin, and students being failed.'
The Stark Evidence
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results reveal the dramatic decline:
- Scotland's reading scores have dropped to their lowest level since records began
- Mathematics performance has fallen significantly below the OECD average
- Science achievement has seen concerning deterioration
Teacher Exodus and Resource Crisis
Phillipson emphasised the human cost of this educational decline, pointing to 'crushing workloads' and 'severe resource shortages' driving teachers away from the profession. The SNP's failure to address these fundamental issues, she argued, has created a perfect storm affecting educational outcomes across Scotland.
Political Responsibility and the Path Forward
The Education Secretary's comments come amid growing scrutiny of the SNP's domestic record. While the party has focused heavily on constitutional matters, Phillipson contends that 'the real priority should be ensuring every Scottish child receives the quality education they deserve'.
This intervention signals Labour's intention to make educational standards a key battleground in Scottish politics, positioning themselves as the party that will restore Scotland's educational excellence after years of perceived nationalist neglect.
