Education

We would restore Scotland’s schools to their high pre-SNP standards. Under the SNP, teacher numbers have decreased, Scotland has dropped in international league tables, subject choice has decreased, and the attainment gap has widened.

STEM education is vital for Scotland’s future economic potential. STEM classes allow pupils to develop skills that will remain with them throughout their lives. We would introduce a dedicated STEM teachers in every primary school.

Pupils must have the choice to decide from a wide range of subjects. We would bring in a subject guarantee so that all pupils have the opportunity to take at least seven subjects in S4.

We support a ban on the use of mobile phones in schools. The use of mobile phones in classrooms is disruptive to pupils’ learning and is also increasingly linked to violent incidents in Scotland’s schools. We will back any headteacher who wishes to take this action in their school.

The Scottish Conservatives will give head teachers more powers over their schools. This will include more budgetary autonomy and powers over the recruitment of their staff. This will enable them to invest resources where they believe they will increase the education experience, increase attainment and improve school discipline.