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Schools spend 'has little effect' Schools spend 'has little effect'
(5 days later)
A think tank has suggested it is a myth that the performance of Scottish schools has improved under devolution.A think tank has suggested it is a myth that the performance of Scottish schools has improved under devolution.
Reform Scotland claimed spending per pupil had doubled in the last 10 years but that there had been no matching jump in pupils' results.Reform Scotland claimed spending per pupil had doubled in the last 10 years but that there had been no matching jump in pupils' results.
The Conservatives said the study, which analysed official data, showed that Scots have not had value for money.The Conservatives said the study, which analysed official data, showed that Scots have not had value for money.
But the Scottish Government said it was embarking on the biggest reform in education in a generation.But the Scottish Government said it was embarking on the biggest reform in education in a generation.
The research, which used previously unpublished information from the Scottish Government, suggested pupil performance north of the border had been overtaken by results from schools in England.The research, which used previously unpublished information from the Scottish Government, suggested pupil performance north of the border had been overtaken by results from schools in England.
About 45% of 15-year-olds in Scotland currently pass five good Standard Grades or Intermediate exams, including maths and English.About 45% of 15-year-olds in Scotland currently pass five good Standard Grades or Intermediate exams, including maths and English.
That percentage is only slightly higher than it was a decade ago just after devolution, according to the think tank.That percentage is only slightly higher than it was a decade ago just after devolution, according to the think tank.
The Scottish Government wants to ensure that we have the learning and teaching that this nation deserves Government spokeswomanThe Scottish Government wants to ensure that we have the learning and teaching that this nation deserves Government spokeswoman
The data showed the proportion of pupils in England with equivalent passes in GCSE exams had risen by more than 10%. Results overtook those in Scotland in 2007.The data showed the proportion of pupils in England with equivalent passes in GCSE exams had risen by more than 10%. Results overtook those in Scotland in 2007.
Geoff Mawdsley, director of Reform Scotland, said: "It is clear from the research that the extra spending - more than double per pupil in both primary and secondary schools since 1999 - is simply not delivering value for money.Geoff Mawdsley, director of Reform Scotland, said: "It is clear from the research that the extra spending - more than double per pupil in both primary and secondary schools since 1999 - is simply not delivering value for money.
"Put another way, billions of pounds have been spent in the last decade to little or no effect."Put another way, billions of pounds have been spent in the last decade to little or no effect.
"This implies a major unnecessary economic burden as well as missed opportunities for our children.""This implies a major unnecessary economic burden as well as missed opportunities for our children."
The deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Murdo Fraser, said: "This report shows that the way devolution has been administered has not provided value for money for Scots.The deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Murdo Fraser, said: "This report shows that the way devolution has been administered has not provided value for money for Scots.
"It shows that political administrations since 1999 have not been prepared to address key challenges facing Scotland."It shows that political administrations since 1999 have not been prepared to address key challenges facing Scotland.
"We have had three parties of the centre left sharing power since devolution came into being and these figures are a damning critique of their record.""We have had three parties of the centre left sharing power since devolution came into being and these figures are a damning critique of their record."
'Vested interests''Vested interests'
He called on ministers to be "bolder, more ambitious and more prepared to challenge vested interests".He called on ministers to be "bolder, more ambitious and more prepared to challenge vested interests".
"Politicians who only have the power to spend money without having to worry about where it comes from are never going to be as responsible as those who have to keep an eye on the income side of the ledger," he added."Politicians who only have the power to spend money without having to worry about where it comes from are never going to be as responsible as those who have to keep an eye on the income side of the ledger," he added.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "There is no doubt that Scotland can do better in education performance.A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "There is no doubt that Scotland can do better in education performance.
"That is why we are now embarking on the biggest reform in education for a generation."That is why we are now embarking on the biggest reform in education for a generation.
"The Scottish Government wants to ensure that we have the learning and teaching that this nation deserves.""The Scottish Government wants to ensure that we have the learning and teaching that this nation deserves."
Since 1999, spending on primary education has jumped from £2,000 per pupil to more than £4,000.Since 1999, spending on primary education has jumped from £2,000 per pupil to more than £4,000.
Radical reformsRadical reforms
Secondary education spending has also doubled - to more than £6,000 for each child.Secondary education spending has also doubled - to more than £6,000 for each child.
The think tank has called on policymakers to study successful education systems overseas and consider more radical reforms to Scottish education.The think tank has called on policymakers to study successful education systems overseas and consider more radical reforms to Scottish education.
A report released by Reform Scotland earlier this year said a key factor in better education was the creation of a range of schools funded by the state but not run by local authorities.A report released by Reform Scotland earlier this year said a key factor in better education was the creation of a range of schools funded by the state but not run by local authorities.
The independent schools would be run by groups or teachers, parents, companies or charities.The independent schools would be run by groups or teachers, parents, companies or charities.
According to the think tank, if parents could opt for these, the competition would encourage council schools to do better.According to the think tank, if parents could opt for these, the competition would encourage council schools to do better.
The Scottish Government said it was determined to work with schools and councils to ensure that any lack of progress was addressed "with appropriate and proportionate assessment underpinning good learning and teaching".The Scottish Government said it was determined to work with schools and councils to ensure that any lack of progress was addressed "with appropriate and proportionate assessment underpinning good learning and teaching".