Leader: Early intervention in education is key

NEIL Shaw, incoming president of School Leaders Scotland, declared in his first speech as head of the new body representing Scotland’s secondary school teachers, that under-achieving pupils are victims of a society “riven” by inequality, not the victims of failing schools. He says he has grown “weary” of comparisons with Finland, one of Europe’s best performing countries educationally.

It is a familiar lament, and one that begs searching questions. How does the thesis explain why Scotland’s global reputation in education was created in an environment far more deeply “riven” by inequality than it is now? What has happened to the billions spent on welfare programmes over decades to alleviate poverty? Has it been to no avail? What really is the excuse, given that living standards have risen absolutely over a long period? And with which advanced country does he feel Scotland’s educational failures may be more favourably compared?

However, in one major respect he is right in identifying factors outwith the control of secondary school teachers. If we are to stand any chance of alleviating under-achievement, we have to start early. Secondary school teachers are faced with problems well entrenched by the time pupils come under their care.

We cannot change educational outcomes other than very early in life. Early intervention is vital in any programme of reform. And for that reason, any reallocation of resources within the education budget to address this would be roundly welcomed.