Leader: Why ‘good enough’ must become ‘could do better’

Bill Maxwell, the head of Education Scotland, has perceptively identified a fundamental problem in Scottish education: not that we have large numbers of failing schools but, to quote him exactly, that “substantial numbers are coasting”.

His words should give us all pause for thought for they indicate there is a prevailing mentality of “it’s good enough” or “it’ll do” in large numbers of schools across the country, schools that should be striving to give our youngsters the best possible start in life.

Mr Maxwell has another insight, emphasising that while poverty and social background have an impact on pupils’ prospects, it is “not inevitable” that social disadvantage leads to poor education. Other countries better avoid the link between social disadvantage and a poor schooling.

Given this analysis, what can be done? Sadly, as Professor Lindsay Paterson of Edinburgh University has pointed out, strategies to deal with the situation are “vague”. What “coasting” really means must be defined and strategies deployed to ensure no school rests in the comfort zone.

There are some pointers. An inspirational head teacher is vital in any school and ways must be found to encourage and improve leadership. Plans for “teachers’ MoTs”, should be pursued, as continuous professional development in the classroom is not as rigorous as it is in other professions.

But beyond such initiatives, something deeper is required: a change of attitude among teachers, parents, politicians and academics.