Expert argues Scotland's education results reflect policy choices, not decline

Recent PISA data showing lower reading and maths scores for Scotland have sparked criticism of the SNP's education record. Joseph Smith, an education expert at Stirling University, explains that Scotland's performance has been on a slow decline for years, while England's recent gains are tied to the expansion of academies and a shift back to a more defined curriculum after 2013. He argues that England's academy model has created hostile environments for some learners, especially those needing extra support, despite overall score improvements.

In Scotland, a strong emphasis on inclusion may have softened academic challenge, leading to easier classroom work. Smith also points to divergent curriculum reforms, noting that England adopted a more detailed framework under Michael Gove, whereas Scotland continues to refine its Curriculum for Excellence. Education Scotland is now drafting new curricular documents to provide clearer expectations for student knowledge at each age.