Scotland's education system was once the envy of the world but under the SNP Government it has slipped down the international league tables.
And for several years – leaving aside last year’s Covid debacle – the numbers passing Higher exam passes had been
on a downward spiral.
Last year, a moderation process meant children in deprived areas who did do well had their result graded downwards to reflect the historical achievements of their school.
Only after teens took to the streets in protest did First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reverse the controversial decision.
This year there has been more controversy over the exams, with the structure varying from school to school and papers leaked on the internet. And the appeals process does not recognise the individual hardships of pupils.
Opposition polticians have been calling for the curriculum for excellence to be overhauled to allow for a fairer awards process which puts the emphasis on continuous assessment rather than an all or nothing final exam
But their pleas were ignored.
And after the last two years of exams shambles, there have been calls for the SQA to be axed but the Government again chose to ignore the appeals until there was no longer any place to hide.
The OECD report published yesterday laid bare the need for change.
New Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville admitted it needs to happen and has agreed to all the recommendations.
But the Government doesn’t have time to drag its heels. There can be no delay.
It needs to act immediately for the sake of the futures of all Scotland’s children.
