1 September 2016

The First Minister met the world-leading experts selected to form Scotland’s new International Council of Education Advisers this week.

The panel heard from pupils and teachers about their experiences in Scottish education, reflected on the findings of the recent OECD review, and discussed measures outlined in the government’s Education Delivery Plan to close the attainment gap and reform Scotland’s education system.

During a visit to Windygoul Primary School in Tranent, East Lothian, the panel members and the First Minister cheered on pupils doing their “Daily Mile” run, the First Minister said:

The ten members of the International Council of Education Advisers have extensive experience advising governments around the world on school improvement. Education is this Government’s top priority, and I am delighted to welcome the panel to Scotland to showcase the strengths of our education system and hear their thoughts on our plans for reform.

The Deputy First Minister has set out the actions we will take to substantially close the attainment gap and deliver a world-class education system in Scotland. The International Council will bring a global perspective to this work, scrutinising our plans against the backdrop of their substantial expertise and ensuring we learn lessons from other parts of the world.”

Ten world-leading experts selected to form Scotland’s new International Council of Education Advisers met for the first time today. The panel members will join the First Minister and Deputy First Minister for two days of meetings and school and college visits in East Lothian and Edinburgh. Ahead of their first formal meeting at Bute House, the Council and the First Minister visited Windygoul Primary School in Tranent to hear about the work being done there to improve educational attainment.

A video posted by Scottish Government (@scotgov) on Aug 31, 2016 at 8:25am PDT

Professor Andy Hargreaves, who sits on the panel, added:
“As part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) team that reviewed Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, I was very impressed with the richness and boldness of the Scottish curriculum, the confidence of Scottish learners, the professionalism of the country’s teachers, and the collective will to do even better to provide equitable opportunities and outcomes for all young people.”

We are all are keenly aware that there is still more work to be done however and the International Council of Education Advisors will do everything it can to offer some of the best evidence and insights from around the world, and to give candid and constructive feedback on the government’s own proposals and evolving directions.

“This a chance for all of us, together, to help Scotland lead the world in improving educational excellence and equity in ways that preserve and promote the richness of learning and the excitement of teaching.”