John Swinney has said last week's exam results should put an end to those talking down Scotland's education system. Writing in his regular column for the Record, the First Minister said the results are testament to the hard work of pupils, parents and teachers.
Record results and narrowing attainment gap
Over 148,000 Scottish students received their exam results on August 4. Exam passes were up at all levels – National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, including a record number of passes at National 5. The poverty related attainment gap – the gap between how well pupils from the richest and poorest backgrounds do – has narrowed further again.
There is undoubtedly more work to do, and you can be assured that we will do it, but it is important that we take the opportunity to recognise and welcome this latest progress.
Vocational qualifications surge
Record numbers of vocational qualifications were awarded – in things like childcare, journalism and engineering – up an incredible 121 per cent since before the pandemic. These qualifications help to prepare young people for the world of work. These achievements show that while England is having a debate about the right balance between academic and vocational education, Scotland is already leading the way, showing how to deliver real excellence in both.
University access at record high
For those young people who want to stay in education, record numbers of 18 year olds achieved a place at university – including the most ever from our most disadvantaged communities. The huge growth in young people from some of our poorest communities getting the opportunity to go to university is one of the things of which I am most proud. One of the main drivers of that progress is the SNP's absolute commitment to free tuition.
Unlike south of the border, young people in Scotland can take the opportunity of going to university without worrying about finding tens of thousands of pounds to pay for it. Under the SNP, free tuition is here to stay.
Government's economic and social agenda
It has been a busy few weeks in government as we keep delivering on the promises you elected us on. Last week we confirmed vital support for businesses in Edinburgh and the Cairngorms after the recent devastating fires and I announced investment to ensure that we have more capacity in our social care system. I also brought together for the first time the new group of business leaders whose advice and expertise is going to be crucial for me as my government drives forward economic growth.
We already have a strong economy in Scotland – since 2007 economic growth per head in Scotland has been stronger than the rest of the UK, and we continue to perform better than anywhere outside London and the South East on foreign investment. But I want us to do more, and really fulfil our economic potential – because everything else that we want to do as a government relies on a thriving economy.
Fundamentally, I think we need the full powers of independence to ensure we are no longer tied to a UK economy stuck in terminal decline. But my government will do everything in our power now to ensure that we make the best economic decisions for Scotland – supporting businesses and creating good jobs.
