Nicola Sturgeon announces expert panel on education

The Scottish Government will launch an International Council of Education Advisers, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced.

Speaking following the first meeting of her new cabinet, Sturgeon said a panel of internationally renowned experts would advise the government on improvements to the education system and on lessons of best practice from other countries.

The move came after Sturgeon appointed Deputy First Minister John Swinney as her education secretary, stating that her government’s focus would be to close the attainment gap and to widen access to higher and further education for those from deprived backgrounds.

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Sturgeon said: “Education is my focus and this announcement demonstrates our determination to learn lessons from around the world to ensure that Scotland is a global leader in education.

“Giving every child in Scotland an excellent education and improving prospects for all our young people is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s priorities this term.

“This independent body of international experts will challenge and scrutinise our plans as we look to return Scotland to the top of class.”

The cabinet meeting came ahead of a statement to Parliament tomorrow (Wednesday) on the Government’s priorities.