Conservatives welcome SLS calls for more powers to headteachers

The incoming President of School Leaders Scotland, Jim Thewliss, is calling for headteachers to have more autonomy and for administration to be cut back so more money can go into teaching. SLS is also questioning whether 32 authorities is best way to run education.

There will be a panel event at today's SLS conference in St Andrews, featuring Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, the Schools Minister and education spokespeople from the other parties.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Liz Smith MSP said:

"I warmly welcome this call by SLS which follows very similar calls from Keir Bloomer two weeks ago.

"Scottish Conservatives have argued strongly, over many years, that we need fundamental reform of the school system if we are to raise standards of attainment across the board. Giving head teachers more powers is a central part of that process and I have no doubt that this will also be warmly welcomed by parents.

"The very tough economic climate is making councils think very carefully about how they can deliver education more effectively. The priority must be teachers and pupils and ensuring there is no wasteful duplication of resources in administration.

"That is why it is important to have a debate about whether the current local authority structure is in fact the best way to support education."

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