SNP under fire over literacy and numeracy

THE SNP government was accused of letting down Scotland’s young people with students taking less subjects and with those from poorer backgrounds getting worse grades at First Minister’s questions today.

The SNP have been criticised for aspects of their record on education. Picture: Bill Henry

Scottish Labour deputy leader Kezia Dugdale told Nicola Sturgeon that exam pass rates had fallen and that many young people were leaving school without any qualifications at all.

Ms Dugdale said: “Scotland’s young people are being let down. Pupils in Scotland are studying fewer subjects and getting less qualifications.”

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said the SNP government had presided over a “slump in literacy and numeracy” during its eight years in power, as nationalist ministers came under fire over their record on education.

However, the First Minister said Scotland had a “good education system”, but admitted there was “much more work to do”.

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government had delivered more full-time college places for young people.