Teachers deny claims of 'flatline' exam results

Scottish education has failed to make any progress since the reconstitution of the Scottish Parliament, claims a devolution expert.

Writing in The Scotsman today, author Tom Miers, says Standard Grade results have fallen to 1997 levels showing there has been no improvement in the Scottish education system since the nation wrested control from Westminster 13 years ago.

However, education leaders pointed out that results for the gold standard of education, Highers, have actually risen over the same period.

Public policy analyst Mr Miers said: "The trend has been broadly flat, and the 2009-10 figures have fallen back to the 45 per cent mark achieved in 1997. In absolute terms, it is deeply worrying."

However, Ann Ballinger, general secretary of the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA), pointed out that both Standard Grades and Intermediates had already been recognised as problematic and would be replaced by new qualifications from 2014. Mrs Ballinger said: "The standard of teaching in Scotland is actually of a very high standard with Higher rates rising each year."

Higher results remained stable with a small 0.4 per cent rise in those passing to 74.6 per cent this year. Standard Grade pass rates stayed the same as last year at 98.5 per cent.