Scotland's schools have recorded their worst ever performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) survey, with scores in maths, reading and science all declining. For the first time since the tests began in 2000, all three subject areas were classed as 'average', with none achieving 'above average'.
Education Secretary John Swinney described the results as 'uncomfortable reading' and said they demonstrated the need for 'radical reform' to restore Scotland's education system to world-class status. Opposition parties, however, blamed a 'decade of educational failure' under the SNP government, noting that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had previously asked to be judged on her education record.
The Pisa tests, conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), assess 15-year-olds in literacy, numeracy and science. In 2000, Scotland's performance in all three areas was above average, but by 2015 the number of countries outperforming Scotland had increased significantly. For example, in maths only five countries had better scores in 2000, but by 2015 that number had risen to 14.
Comparisons with other UK nations showed English pupils were 'significantly above' Scots in science, while Welsh schools performed 'significantly below' Scotland in each subject. Countries such as Estonia, Finland and Slovenia consistently scored above Scotland across all three areas.
Mr Swinney pledged an 'unwavering focus on improvement' and pointed to actions taken since the 2015 survey, including reducing red tape and addressing over-assessment in National Qualifications. He also noted that the poverty-related attainment gap remained a 'complex challenge' and called on local authorities to take responsibility, stating that the government had prevented many Labour-run councils from cutting teacher numbers.
Teachers' unions called for a 'period of stability' following the results, while the Scottish government insisted that its international panel of advisors did not describe an education system in crisis, but urged continued focus on existing reform plans.
