Scotland's 15-year-olds are continuing to perform well in reading, maths and science, according to an international study published today. However, the scores achieved in the 2006 review show relative attainment compared with other countries has declined.

The OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) assesses the performance of 15-year-old students in reading, maths and science through a rolling programme every three years.

The research was done in 101 schools and around 2,700 students took part, in March 2006. In the 2003 study, three countries could be said to have students who performed significantly better than those in Scotland in the three subjects. In 2006, there were four countries that performed better in science, eight in maths and five in reading.

However, the survey also shows that Scotland has one of the lowest levels of poorly performing pupils in the OECD, and Scotland's performance is in line with England and Northern Ireland who achieved similar results in all three subjects.

Minister for Skills and Schools Maureen Watt said: “While it is clear that many of our pupils are still performing above the OECD average, we have inherited a situation which shows our international ranking has fallen since the last survey in 2003. A few other countries are doing better faster.

“The study also shows that the impact of a disadvantaged background has a greater affect on how our students perform than many other countries.

“That's why this government is investing in early intervention to ensure our children get the help and support they need to spot and deal with problems before they start having an impact.

“And we are developing the Curriculum for Excellence which will improve standards for all children in our schools.

“This, taken with the information from the recent international literacy study, PIRLS, and the forthcoming OECD review of school education in Scotland, provides us with valuable insights into our strengths and weaknesses which we will use to ensure all our young people can take advantage of the opportunities available.”

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